Border News Agency
Mrauk-U, August 26.
The Customs and Tax Department of the Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government says it collects taxes and fees mainly for five purposes.
According to the ULA Central Tax Department, the main purposes are to support security, administration, economic and social development, and the long-term operation of the government system in Arakan.
The ULA says taxes are collected to increase the government’s main income each year, keep security and administrative systems running effectively, support people’s welfare and economic development, and help maintain economic stability.
The ULA also says taxes are collected to provide public services, improve social equality, and prevent government revenue from being lost or wasted.
The Tax Department says the collected tax revenue is systematically used for defense, security, education, healthcare, road and bridge construction, other public services, and the resettlement of people displaced by conflict.
Currently, basic food products are tax-exempt. The department says it also collects taxes on trade, motor vehicles, and property transactions at rates that do not place a heavy burden on the public.
The AA 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, Arakan residents say that more taxes and fees are being collected on the ground than the rates officially announced by the department.
Border News Agency has also received information alleging that some employees of the Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government’s Customs and Tax Department have used collected tax money for their personal benefit and have been involved in corruption.
