Have you ever been in urgent need of a Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC) and wondered which button to press to get it? The good news is that a TCC can now be acquired instantly upon successful application. However, this is only possible if one has filed all the returns and paid any taxes due.

A TCC is a certificate issued by the Commissioner if satisfied that the person has complied with the tax law in respect of filing returns and payment of all the taxes due or has made an arrangement with the Commissioner to pay the taxes due. It is not only an essential document, but also a gateway to several opportunities. Currently, most job offers require one to have a valid TCC upon application. The document is also a requirement when applying for tenders. A TCC is a must have for manufacturers and importers of excisable products, just to mention but a few. Being tax compliant therefore comes with several advantages.

How does one apply for a TCC? The application is done via the iTax platform by logging in using the PIN and password. Under the certificates tab, there is a link indicating “apply for Tax Compliance Certificate”. The personal details are auto populated therefore you are only required to fill in the reason for application and submit.  The certificate is sent to the applicant’s email upon approval of the application or one can download it immediately via a link made available upon application. Hence, it is critical to ensure that the correct email address is captured on iTax for ease of communication.

A TCC is valid for a period of 12 months from the date of issue. However, one can renew, 7 days prior to the expiry of the previous one. In case of pending liabilities or unfiled returns, the application shall be rejected and the reason for rejection is communicated through the registered email.

Being tax compliant is an important for every registered person. Taxes are fuel that run the Government’s engine and are critical for implementation of development projects. It is remarkable for citizens to enjoy public infrastructures such as the SGR, realized from taxes paid to the government.

How much more development would be achieved if everyone paid their fair share of tax? To those who evade paying taxes, it is never too late to do the right thing!

Margaret Gachina

Tax Education