Study is being managed by AfricaScope South Africa, with Web I.T Clinic
BY MBONGENI NDLELA
MBABANE- The Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) has launched a comprehensive National Taxpayer Compliance Survey, a major step toward strengthening Eswatini’s tax system through data-driven insights and improved service delivery.
The survey, implemented in collaboration with the International Centre for Tax and Development (ICTD), will run from 11 May to 30 June 2026. It is designed to generate high-quality evidence on taxpayer behaviour, compliance costs, and public perceptions of the tax system, critical elements in shaping a more efficient and business-friendly fiscal environment.
ERS says the initiative reflects its continued commitment to modernising tax administration while making compliance easier and more transparent for businesses.
According to ERS’s notice to the public, the survey will provide detailed, micro-level data that will directly inform future strategies, including improvements in VAT administration, digital tax services, and taxpayer education programmes.
An ERS’s notice emphasized the significance of the initiative:
“This survey marks an important milestone in our journey toward a more responsive and efficient tax system. By listening directly to taxpayers, we are building solutions that reduce compliance burdens and enhance service delivery.”
The study is being managed by AfricaScope South Africa, with Web I.T Clinic supporting implementation on the ground.
Data collection will be conducted through face-to-face interviews using secure Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) technology. Target participants include senior managers, business owners, accountants, and finance officers to ensure accurate representation of business compliance practices.
ERS has assured participants that all responses will remain strictly confidential.
“We want to reassure the business community that all information collected is protected. The data will be anonymised and used solely for research purposes, with no impact on tax status,” the spokesperson added.
ERS is actively encouraging selected businesses to participate, noting that their input will play a key role in shaping policies that support growth and competitiveness.
“The voice of the taxpayer is central to our reform efforts. Participation in this survey will help create a more supportive and predictable tax environment for businesses across Eswatini.”
Survey enumerators will be easily identifiable through official name tags and authorization letters, ensuring transparency and trust during the process.
The National Taxpayer Compliance Survey is expected to enhance domestic revenue mobilisation while improving the overall taxpayer experience—an outcome that aligns with Eswatini’s broader economic development goals.
(Courtesy Pic)
