Businessmen within Arusha region registered for Value Added Tax (VAT) have been challenged to adopt the use of Electronic Fiscal Machines (EFC) that have been designed for use in business for efficient control of revenue and sales analysis.

The machines are currently distributed by various agents across the country And are helpful for the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) to estimate businessmen's annual taxes.

However, it has been established that many small and medium businessmen in Arusha region are not paying their taxes accordingly and not also issuing receipts for customers when buying goods or services from their commercial centers.

Speaking to this reporter, Arusha's Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) Manager Evaristo Kileva said such fraudulent behavior was adversely affecting revenue collection but his office had geared up to pounce on those evading taxes.

"Currently we are continuing with a regional-wide awareness campaign to impart businessmen within the region with knowledge on the importance of providing receipt to customers as well as paying taxes," he said.

He however, called on customers to demand receipts whenever they buy or receive any services.

The Arusha Regional Taxpayers Services and Education Officer Eugema Mkumbo appealed to all small and medium businessmen within the region to comply with the set tax regulations.

"Most businessmen especially in rural areas are ignorant of taxation regulations and are not keeping their books properly," she noted.

However, she revealed that the on-going education and awareness campaign has so far assisted many businessmen to acquire useful business knowledge which is helping both TRA and the businesses.