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{
    "id": 601890,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/601890/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 138,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Mulu",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 1955,
        "legal_name": "Benson Makali Mulu",
        "slug": "benson-makali-mulu"
    },
    "content": "Thank you, Hon. Speaker for giving me the chance to also contribute to this important Bill. The issue of tax payment is a very important issue in any country. This is the reason why people say tax is a good evil. It is a good evil because for any country to develop, it needs to collect taxes to get national revenue. Those who are familiar with our budgeting process realise that even as we budget for resources, most of those resources are expected to be generated from local sources, including the taxes we pay. This Bill is very important because it is making sure that we have a simplified way of collecting taxes, which will make tax collection cost effective. For Kenyans who may not have access to this Bill, Clause 2 is very clear in terms of why we need this law. It says that the object and purpose of this Act is to provide uniform procedures for consistency and efficiency in the administration of tax laws, facilitation of tax compliance by taxpayers and effective and efficient collection of tax. So, if you look at these three items, you will realise that once Parliament passes this Bill, it will help this country in ensuring that we meet our targets in terms of tax collection. I have looked through the Bill and I just want to pick a few clauses which are very important, in addition to what my colleagues have said. Clause 19 of the Bill makes provision for what we are calling tax agents so that for those Kenyans with income and are not able to prepare their tax returns, the agents will be licensed and they can assist them to prepare their returns. This is important because the topic on tax returns is not easy in this country. A number of Kenyans have challenges preparing their tax returns. So, a situation where the law provides for agents to take care of that kind of need helps this country to move in the right direction. Clause 33 of the Bill has another interesting provision. This has to do with the extension of the time to pay taxes. What this clause does is that in case as an individual or a corporate entity you have challenges with paying your taxes in time then this clause provides that you can apply for extension of time as long as you provide reasons why you are not able to pay your taxes in time. The good thing with this clause is that the fact that you might not be able to pay your taxes in time this year will not change your timing for tax payment for next year. So, it is The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposesonly. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}