The Malawi Revenue Authority-MRA is downplaying calls from the business sector to reopen the Voluntary Tax Compliance Window as the Covid 19 pandemic persists.

There are growing calls for MRA to consider reopening the window to boost tax revenue especially now as the Covid 19 is affecting revenue collection.

Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of the Chartered Accountants in Malawi-ICAM Francis Chinjoka Gondwe recently told that there is a threat that the 2020-2021 budget might fail to deliver because of the diminishing revenue.

Gondwe recommended several ways that could boost revenue collection, including reopening the window to allow tax-payers settle tax arrears without penalties.

However, MRA’s Head of Corporate Affairs Steve Kapoloma has said that they do not have plans to reopen the window, arguing businesses were given enough time to utilize it.