Manufacturers, importers have been asked to embrace the use of digital stamps

27 November 2024, 1:42 pm

By Kyeyune Ali

The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) conducted a training session for manufacturers and importers of goods requiring digital tax stamps, teaching them how to use the new system. The training, held at Hotel Africana in Kampala, was led by the Acting Assistant Commissioner for Compliance Management, Mr. Garry Kizito, who encouraged Local Excise Duty (LED) registered taxpayers to start using the new web forms. He highlighted how these forms would simplify tax filings.

Felix Niwagaba, an expert from URA, clarified that the DTS system will be used exclusively for ordering digital stamps, while the e-Tax Stock Keeping Unit is designated for filing LED returns and making amendments.

This training is part of URA’s broader digital push, which began in October 2023 with the launch of its Digital Strategy aimed at providing faster and more efficient services to all Ugandans.

“We expect all Local Excise Duty registered taxpayers to file their returns using the new web forms. That’s why we’ve trained your tax agents, and now we’re focusing on helping manufacturers to get comfortable,” Mr. Niwagaba said.

The new Local Excise Duty web return form, launched on November 1, 2024, replaces the old Excel-based form that taxpayers previously downloaded from the portal to file their returns.

URA expert Ms. Samalie Namitala explained the reasoning behind these changes and emphasised the importance of activating digital stamps when goods leave their facilities for the local market. She clarified that only goods leaving the premises are subject to Local Excise Duty.

She also addressed the issue of damaged goods, explaining that taxpayers can download a form from the portal to report products damaged after sale, whether during transport or storage. “We’re working on automating this process, but for now, please download the form, report the damages, and submit them for verification,” she added.