By Aguok Chok
The Commissioner of the Domestic Tax Division at South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA), Chol Paul Kur, has called on taxpayers across the country to meet their tax obligations promptly.
Paul said that tax compliance is essential for sustaining government operations and national development.
The appeal comes as authorities intensify efforts to expand non-oil revenue collection by introducing the Digital Tax Stamp (DTS) system.
The Commissioner made the remarks during a stakeholder meeting held on Tuesday in Juba, where government officials, manufacturers, and private-sector representatives gathered to discuss the rollout and implementation of the new system.
The Digital Tax Stamp initiative is designed to strengthen revenue collection, enhance transparency in tax administration, and curb illicit trade by improving product traceability.
Addressing participants, Paul encouraged taxpayers to file returns and pay taxes on time, warning that delays could result in automatic penalties under the existing tax system.
“As leaders who are doing revenue mobilization we always say, comply at the right time. Don’t wait to file your return or to pay your tax when it is delayed, so that you should not attract penalties because our system has penalties,” he said.
He emphasized that paying taxes is not only a legal duty but also a civic responsibility that enables the government to provide essential public services and implement development programs.
According to him, strengthening tax compliance across all sectors will help stabilize the country’s economy and reduce dependence on volatile oil revenues.
The commissioner further described tax payment as a patriotic act that should inspire pride among citizens and businesses alike.
“All of us, including me, are taxpayers. So, as a taxpayer, feel proud that you pay taxes to your government,” Chol said.
Drawing an international comparison, he encouraged taxpayers to adopt a culture of voluntary compliance similar to practices in developed economies.
“In America, they say, ‘I’m proud because I’m a businessman, and I pay my taxes to the government.”
“This is the slogan of each American citizen, and this is what I need to impart to you also,” he explained.
Paul expressed optimism that improved awareness and stronger commitment among taxpayers would help eliminate tax evasion and underreporting of tax liabilities, challenges that have historically undermined domestic revenue mobilization.
“Be proud because you are contributing to national development. If we agree on that, there will be no question of tax evasion or under-regulation of tax liability,” he added.
The introduction of the Digital Tax Stamp system forms part of broader government reforms aimed at modernizing revenue administration.
Authorities believe the system will help track excisable goods, reduce counterfeit products in the market, and ensure that manufacturers and importers meet national tax and quality standards.
The push for enhanced tax compliance comes at a time when South Sudan is facing economic pressure following disruptions to oil exports caused by the ongoing conflict in neighboring Sudan.
With oil historically accounting for the majority of national income, the government is increasingly focusing on domestic taxes as a reliable alternative revenue source. Officials say stronger taxpayer compliance, combined with modernization initiatives such as the DTS system, will play a crucial role in supporting economic recovery and financing essential public services