On 22 October 2026, Revenue Services Lesotho (RSL) officially launched its “Strengthening Tax Knowledge and Compliance” initiative, a comprehensive taxpayer education program designed to enhance voluntary compliance across the Kingdom’s tax base. The announcement comes amid ongoing reforms under the Revenue Services Lesotho Act of 2021 and aligns with the Government’s Domestic Resource Mobilisation Strategy. RSL Commissioner Mathabo Mokoko stated that the programme will leverage digital platforms, community workshops, and targeted outreach to improve understanding of tax obligations under the Income Tax Act, Value Added Tax Act, and Customs and Excise legislation. The initiative also supports Lesotho’s commitments under the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF) and the OECD’s Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) inclusive framework. Effective immediately, RSL will roll out a series of sector-specific guides, interactive webinars, and a dedicated helpline to assist taxpayers, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), in navigating filing requirements, deductions, and record-keeping standards.
Key Takeaways
- Multi-Channel Taxpayer Education: RSL will deploy a blended learning approach combining e-learning modules on the eTax portal, in-person seminars in all ten districts, and radio programmes in Sesotho to reach informal sector operators and rural taxpayers.
- Focus on VAT and Income Tax Compliance for SMEs: The programme prioritises clarifying VAT registration thresholds, input credit claims, and provisional tax payment schedules for small businesses, addressing common errors identified during recent compliance audits.
- International Partnership and Digital Integration: RSL is collaborating with ATAF and the OECD to benchmark the curriculum against global best practices and will integrate real-time compliance analytics into the Lekuka e-invoicing system to provide taxpayers with instant feedback on filing accuracy.
Disclaimer: This article is compiled and summarized by the AI based on publicly available information and is for general information purposes only. It does not constitute any form of formal tax advice, legal opinion, or basis for performance. Please consult a qualified professional tax advisor or legal counsel for tax advice.
Source: Read Official Announcement