URA Announces Major Changes to VAT and PAYE Returns, Taxpayers Given Filing Alert

The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) issued a public notice informing taxpayers about changes to the monthly Value Added Tax (VAT) and Pay As You Earn (PAYE) return templates, with the new formats taking effect on October 4, 2022.The changes mean taxpayers are required to use the updated templates when preparing and submitting their monthly tax returns. URA advised taxpayers to take note of the new requirements to ensure their declarations are properly completed.

The updated templates were introduced as taxpayers prepared to file their returns for September 2022. The authority urged businesses and other affected taxpayers to carefully review the new formats before submitting their declarations.URA reminded taxpayers that the deadline for filing the September 2022 VAT and PAYE returns was October 15, 2022. Those submitting their returns were encouraged to ensure that all required information was accurately captured.The tax authority warned that failure to follow the revised templates could result in errors during the filing process.

Taxpayers were therefore encouraged to familiarise themselves with the changes before completing their returns.The updated filing formats are intended to provide taxpayers with the necessary structure for submitting their VAT and PAYE information under the revised requirements. Proper use of the templates can also help minimise mistakes during submission.

URA encouraged taxpayers who required clarification on the changes to consult the detailed public notice and follow the guidance provided on how to complete the revised returns correctly.The authority urged all taxpayers to remain compliant by using the correct templates and filing their returns within the prescribed timelines, helping them avoid unnecessary errors and possible penalties arising from non-compliance.