MRA administers the tax system effectively, according to 93% of taxpayers
Taxpayer Satisfaction Survey 2023
The findings of the seventh edition of the Taxpayer Satisfaction Survey (TSS) 2023, released this week, indicates that “93% of surveyed taxpayers are of the opinion that the MRA administers the tax system fairly, and 98% say it has become easier to comply with their tax obligations.” Moreover, 82% of taxpayers assert that it is easy to report fraud and other illegal activities to the MRA.
The salient results of the survey, which saw some 35,919 taxpayers responding to it – an increase of more than 80% compared to last year’s – were announced by MRA’s Director-General Mr Sudhamo Lal, during a draw conducted in the presence of MRA Board Members, namely, Messrs Dinay Reetoo and Kritananda Naghee Reddy, members of the management team, and under the supervision of the Gambling Regulatory Authority.
The first prize, i.e. a cash prize of Rs 25,000 went to Shah Muhammad Jaleel Kurreembukus; Jayecoomar Dooky won the second prize of R. 15,000, and Dhinesh Cahoolessur got the third prize of Rs. 10,000.
Mr Lal stated that the outcome of the surveys conducted to date has allowed the MRA to improve the quality of the services it offers to taxpayers year-in year-out. On the other hand, as regards drug detection and border protection, he pointed out that “82% of respondents affirm that the measures implemented by Customs to combat drug trafficking are effective.” The survey also revealed that taxpayers’ trust in the MRA has improved (94%) in the last year and 90% of respondents are satisfied that the tax authority is proving effective in the detection of tax evasion.
The MRA received more than 32,000 valuable comments and suggestions from taxpayers during this exercise. “These suggestions will be scrutinized, and viable suggestions will be given due consideration as part of our endeavour to serve our stakeholders better and enhance our internal efficiency,” reassured Mr Lal.
In his closing remarks, Mr Lal said the MRA received 276,936 returns for the 2023/24 Income Tax Filing Season, which represents an increase of 17.1% over the 236,438 returns that were received last year. Some 72,758 taxpayers paid additional tax together with their income tax return i.e. over and above Pay As You Earn (PAYE)/Current Payment System (CPS) paid during the year for an amount of Rs 2.8 billion – the amount is almost the same as last year. MRA received 87,123 refunds claims from taxpayers, which is 12% more than last year. As at date, 86,069 taxpayers (99%) have already been refunded.
On his part, Mr Amick Teeluckdharry, Assistant Director, Taxpayer Education and Communication Department) said that “in our service chain, some touch points are crucial in shaping the overall taxpayer experience. Understanding and managing these touch points is essential to ensuring customer satisfaction.”
Mauritius Times ePaper Friday 3 November 2023
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