The Lesotho Revenue Authority has received a bonus by exceeding its targets by over M100 million from income tax and value added tax.

According to Dr 'Mamphono Khaketla, the LRA has exceeded its targets by 102.2 million.

Speaking in the National Assembly on behalf of the Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Dr. Khaketla said the authority's performance in the current 2007/08 year to date indicates that targets will once again be exceeded.

She attributed the authority's success to its 2006 to 2009 strategic plan, which includes not only revenue collection objectives, but also raising the level of voluntary compliance among taxpayers and creating a fair and equitable environment.

Dr. Khaketla said LRA has already taken several initiatives to establish three advice centres, in Maseru, Leribe and Mohale's Hoek to provide guidance to taxpayers.

She added that during the previous fiscal year, registration returns, tax clearance, car clearance, directives and other inquiries were provided.

"Among other initiatives undertaken by the authority is to disseminate information to the taxpayers through a programme on radio Lesotho", Dr. Khaketla noted.

The Minister added that there is a continuous engagement and interaction with different representative business groups, such as Lesotho Chamber of Commerce, Exporters Association, Basotho Indian Business Community and Association of Lesotho Employers and Business, from which the authority has received positive contributions.

Dr. Khaketla was responding to questions by Mr. Hlonepho Nts'ekhe, a Member of Parliament for Thaba-Phats'oa constituency, who wanted to know whether the ministry would establish a forum for discussing tax related issues.

SOURCE: LENA 27/09/2007