Border News Agency
Kyauktaw, August 26.
In areas controlled by the Arakan Army (AA), traders and business owners can directly report to the United League of Arakan (ULA) if officials demand more tax than the official rate or ask for illegal payments, according to the ULA.
The ULA Central Administration Department and Tax Department say they are managing tax revenue so that it can be used for the benefit of the public. They also say they are taking strict action to prevent corruption and to make sure taxes do not become a heavy burden on taxpayers.
The departments say taxpayers receive official tax receipts when they pay taxes. They also say they are working to prevent people from being charged the same tax more than once at different checkpoints.
The ULA says it is also providing public education about tax laws and helping people understand how to pay taxes. Business owners are encouraged to honestly report their sales and financial records.
The ULA says it wants to build a tax system based on honesty, accountability and responsibility. It also says taxpayers should pay the correct amount of tax, while tax officials should provide better services.
The Arakan Army has taken control of 15 townships, including Paletwa, and is developing an administrative system under what it calls the Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government.
In AA-controlled areas, taxes and fees are collected by the Customs and Tax Department of the Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government.
However, local residents say that more money is sometimes collected on the ground than the official tax rates announced by the department.
Border News Agency has also received information alleging that some officials of the Customs and Tax Department have used collected tax money for their own benefit and have been involved in corruption.
