The Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) has revealed that several government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies owe the tax collector a total of K61 billion in unpaid taxes.

MRA Commissioner General John Bizwick informed the Parliamentary Committee on Budget and Finance that the unpaid taxes date back to six years.

Some of the institutions with significant unpaid tax arrears include the country’s Water Boards, which owe K13.5 billion, Auction Holdings Limited, which owes K13.9 billion, and Local Government, which owes K5 billion.

Bizwick stated that MRA has been engaging with these institutions, including Auction Holdings Limited, which has reported financial challenges affecting their ability to remit taxes.

However, Bizwick also noted that closing the company would have a negative impact on farmers and the tobacco sector.

Gladys Ganda, Chairperson of the Budget and Finance Committee, has since stated that the committee will work with the Ministry of Finance to assist MRA in collecting the arrears.