Legal Aid

Without the Taxpayers Association of Tanzania (TATA), individuals facing tax disputes with the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) may encounter significant challenges, particularly if they lack the means for legal representation. Many taxpayers may not fully understand the complexities of tax law, the necessary documentation required to substantiate their claims, or may feel overwhelmed or intimidated by the tax agency, leading them to abandon their cases.

TATA plays a crucial role in safeguarding two fundamental taxpayer rights

The right to retain representation, and
The right to a fair and just tax system.

Low-income and other vulnerable populations may be unaware of their rights to challenge the TRA or may not recognize the specific legal protections afforded to them. TATA is committed to ensuring that all taxpayers, regardless of income, have access to the same rights and protections under due process as those who can afford legal counsel. Through the provision of pro bono legal representation and educational outreach, TATA empowers low-income taxpayers to assert their rights and ensures that tax disputes are adjudicated based on their merits rather than default judgments.

TATA actively engages in various advocacy efforts, including litigating cases, submitting comments on tax regulations, and publishing research and articles. These efforts are aimed at ensuring that tax laws consider the unique circumstances of low-income and vulnerable taxpayers, rather than solely focusing on affluent or corporate entities.

Furthermore, TATA recognizes that information requests from the TRA can disproportionately burden low-income taxpayers, potentially hindering their ability to comply with tax laws or discouraging them from taking valid tax positions on their returns. Such deterrents can result in the information requested being exempt from thorough review. While TATA respects the TRA’s authority to request information, it advocates for the right to challenge such requests before any penalties for non-compliance are imposed

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TATA provides invaluable assistance to both low and high-income individuals experiencing tax disputes with the TRA, including educational outreach for non-native English speakers.

TATA operates independently of the TRA and offers representation to individuals whose incomes fall below a specified threshold. We can assist taxpayers during audits, appeals, and collection disputes with the TRA, as well as help them respond to TRA notices and resolve accounting issues. Additionally, TATA provides information on taxpayer rights and responsibilities in multiple languages for individuals who speak English as a second language. Our services are available at no cost or for a minimal fee.

Ensuring Fairness and Integrity

Participating clinics in the TATA Program work to ensure fairness and integrity within the tax system for both low and high-income taxpayers, as well as those who speak English as a second language by: