ERS’ tax collection target rises to E16.5bn

The Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) has once again proven its capability, setting an ambitious revenue target of E16.5 billion for the upcoming year, a significant 13.7 per cent increase from last year’s E14.5 billion target.

This impressive goal comes on the heels of another successful year, as revealed by Minister of Finance Neal Rijkenberg during the ERS Client Appreciation Day 2025 celebrated at Happy Valley on Friday evening,
In a move that will undoubtedly be welcomed by citizens and businesses alike, Minister Rijkenberg emphatically highlighted that there would be no increases in tax for taxpayers.

He noted that instead efficient revenue collection would be prioritised rather than burdening the taxpayer with higher levies.
“Although the target has been set much higher, we really do appreciate the way the ERS handles it,” Rijkenberg commented. He expressed immense pride in the ERS team, highlighting their dedication to making the tax process easier, friendlier and more accessible for everyone. For the second consecutive year, the ERS team and taxpayers have exceeded annual revenue targets. For the year ending March 31, revenue collections reached an impressive E14.61 billion, a substantial E1.59 billion (12.2 per cent) increase over the previous year.

This achievement, according to the minister, has positively impacted the country’s fiscal health, with the tax-to-GDP ratio improving from 15.9 per cent to 16.7 per cent, signalling a stronger and more resilient economic foundation for the country.
Rijkenberg further emphasised that these results were a testament to the fact that when a modern revenue administration meets willing, well-informed taxpayers, the outcome is sustainable prosperity.

The minister also took the opportunity to remind all taxpayers about the Voluntary Disclosure Programme (VDP), which remains fully operational. This programme offers a lifeline for those with outstanding tax obligations, allowing them to disclose undeclared income, understatement of liabilities, or over-claimed expenses across all major tax types. “The ERS has invested heavily in data analytics and cross-agency data-matching, which means discrepancies will surface sooner rather than later.
“I, therefore, encourage anyone who may have registration gaps, anomalies or omissions in their filing or payment history to reach out voluntarily through this programme,” he said.

Rijkenberg further noted that by voluntarily approaching the ERS through this programme, participants can expect privacy and support throughout the process, adaptable payment plans to ease the burden and transforming potential liabilities into renewed compliance and peace of mind.
Rijkenberg urged every taxpayer, from large corporations and small businesses to individuals, to seize this opportunity. “Walk through the door that the ERS is opening in a spirit of partnership,” he said, highlighting the collaborative approach the ERS is taking to foster a compliant and prosperous nation.

Eswatini Observer Press Reader