The effectiveness of taxpayers` education on tax compliance in Tanzania

Globally, Education to Taxpayers has always been recommended in various literatures as a major tool in tax compliance and in turn thus boosting tax collection rates. However, to date, in Tanzania, there are limited studies on the effectiveness of taxpayers Education on Tax Compliance. This research attempted to assess the effectiveness of taxpayers education in Tanzania. The purpose was to find out the ways and extent to which one may improve the existing strategies in disseminating tax information to both potential and existing taxpayers. The study used questionnaires, interview schedules and observation to collect data deploying strata sampling of taxpayers in Dar es Salaam. About 62 business persons responded to the structured questionnaires. Face to face interviews were administered on two officers from TRA in the department of Taxpayers` Service and Education. Findings from the study show that, at present, majority of the taxpayers are still ignorant about tax matters affecting their businesses. This is a major setback on self-assessment us a major indicator of tax compliance. In order to address this problem, it is suggested to the TRA to increasing tax education outreach, pro[per involvement of tax consultants in tax education systems and establishing more tax-centers for disseminating tax information, as well as the governments on its education policy by including a subject about taxation in its entire education curricula.