Bafundzise tax campaign reaches 4850 businesses

Mbabane – The Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) says its door-to-door tax education drive, known as the Bafundzise Campaign, has already reached 4,850 businesses since its launch in March this year.

Speaking during a discussion on Eswatini TV, ERS officials explained that the initiative is being rolled out across the country with teams visiting shops, offices and other business premises to explain tax obligations directly to owners. They said the goal is to make compliance easier by addressing questions on income tax, presumptive tax for small enterprises, Value Added Tax (VAT), Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) and customs procedures.

So far, the campaign has covered Manzini, Matsapha, Mbabane, Ezulwini and Nhlangano. In Manzini, about 1,700 business owners were engaged, with around 70 percent already holding Tax Identification Numbers (TINs). Matsapha recorded an 88 percent compliance rate, while Ezulwini stood out with 89 percent of visited businesses found to be fully registered.

ERS officials noted several recurring challenges during the campaign. These include confusion around TIN registration, VAT obligations and filing of PAYE schedules. Many small businesses wrongly believe they are too small to register, while others charge VAT without being registered. The revenue authority also reported gaps in digital literacy, which complicates the transition to online filing systems.

The campaign has also revealed how businesses operate, with ERS learning about common practices in importing goods and the widespread reliance on tax practitioners. While encouraging use of licensed practitioners, officials urged business owners to understand their own tax affairs to avoid costly disputes.

Plans are underway to expand the programme to Swazi Nation Land areas through collaboration with the Ministry of Tinkhundla and regional administrators. ERS says this is to ensure even remote businesses receive direct support.

Business owners are being encouraged to open their doors when ERS officers arrive, with officials stressing that the exercise is meant to support rather than penalise entrepreneurs. Those seeking information can also access ERS through social media, its call centre at 2406 4500, or via email at info@sra.org.sz.