The Revenue Services Lesotho (RSL) is encouraging taxpayers to make annual income tax return filing a routine obligation, warning that failure to comply with tax laws attracts automatic penalties, interest charges and additional taxes.
This message was reinforced during a recent Press Club engagement hosted jointly by RSL and the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) Lesotho Chapter at the RSL Social Club.
The engagement brought together members of the media and key stakeholders to discuss tax compliance, review progress made during the filing season and highlight the importance of timely submission of annual income tax returns by individuals, businesses and sole proprietors.
Mohale Motenalapi, RSL’s Senior Marketing and Client Education Officer reminded taxpayers that paying taxes is both a legal obligation and a vital contribution to Lesotho’s social and economic development.
“We are urging all individuals, businesses and sole proprietors to immediately submit their Income Tax Returns and settle any outstanding balances to avoid severe financial penalties,” said Motenalapi.
He said taxpayers should not wait until the last minute to fulfil their filing obligations, noting that annual tax return submission is a statutory requirement that should be observed consistently.
Motenalapi warned that existing tax legislation provides for automatic penalties, interest and additional taxes on late submissions and outstanding payments, adding that such charges cannot be waived where negligence is involved.
He said RSL continues to strengthen taxpayer support services, including online platforms, to make filing more convenient and reduce the need for visits to physical offices.
“We advise everyone not to wait until the final hours on June 30. Filing early online ensures that any system bottlenecks or documentation errors can be resolved before additional taxes kick in,” he said.
He added that taxpayers requiring assistance can access step-by-step filing guides, tax credit calculators and digital payment platforms through the official RSL website.
On her part, RSL’s Public Relations Manager, Tšepang Mncina, stressed that tax compliance is a shared national responsibility that directly supports government service delivery.
“Taxes collected by government support the delivery of essential public services, including health care, education, infrastructure development, security and social protection programmes,” Mncina said.
She urged taxpayers to submit accurate returns and make payments on time to avoid penalties, additional taxes and unnecessary inconvenience.
Mncina also underscored the importance of voluntary tax compliance in creating a fair and sustainable tax system where every taxpayer contributes towards national development.
“As part of our ongoing commitment to improving service delivery, we continue to invest in digital transformation and taxpayer support services. We encourage taxpayers to make use of the available online platforms, offices and support channels for guidance and assistance throughout the filing season.”
RSL said its ongoing taxpayer education campaign is intended to improve voluntary compliance by encouraging taxpayers to file accurate annual returns on time, utilise digital services and seek assistance where necessary, thereby avoiding unnecessary penalties and contributing to national development.
Summary
- The Revenue Services Lesotho (RSL) is encouraging taxpayers to make annual income tax return filing a routine obligation, warning that failure to comply with tax laws attracts automatic penalties, interest charges and additional taxes.
- The engagement brought together members of the media and key stakeholders to discuss tax compliance, review progress made during the filing season and highlight the importance of timely submission of annual income tax returns by individuals, businesses and sole proprietors.
- RSL said its ongoing taxpayer education campaign is intended to improve voluntary compliance by encouraging taxpayers to file accurate annual returns on time, utilise digital services and seek assistance where necessary, thereby avoiding unnecessary penalties and contributing to national development.
Seabata Mahao is a general news reporter with special focus on Business and Sports. Started working at Newsday in 2021. Working in a team with a shared goal is what I enjoy most and that gives me the motivation to work under any environment leading to growth.
