By:Thoboloko Ntšonyane
MASERU- The Revenue Services Lesotho (RSL) and Vodacom Lesotho (VCL) have yesterday unveiled the USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) protocol for sending text messages, E-payment system.
These innovative solutions promise to simplify and streamline the way taxpayers who are Mpesa (Vodacom Lesotho’s mobile financial service) subscribers, they will pay their taxes via their mobile phones.
RSL Deputy Commissioner Revenue Compliance Mokhethi Mabea stated that their offerings are now processed online, starting from registration to payments. “Remember, our goal is to ensure convenience and social engagement,” he emphasized.
Mabea further explained that in order to achieve simplicity, they had to merge with other stakeholders. He added that the channels that VCL have, had to be accessible to their clients as well.
“We have developed a platform that holds significant value and we are successfully providing it to our clients,” he affirmed.
The Deputy Commissioner of Revenue also mentioned that their clients are able to make payments with clear and accurate references.
He said their clients will be able to pay for both customs and inland taxes.
Mabea said the clients will be able to see the receipt and print it after carrying out the transactions.
VCL Financial Services Managing Director Palesa Mphunyetsane proudly claimed that they boast more than 1 million M-pesa subscribers, which represents over 80 percent of the adult population, as indicated by a study conducted.
Hailing this alliance, the Managing Director mentioned that they establish partnerships with like-minded stakeholders, such as RSL.
She highlighted that individuals have the convenience of paying taxes from their own homes using their mobile phones.
Additionally, she emphasized that people have the option to visit any of their 12,000 agents nationwide to carry out transactions.
Mpho Mosotho, VCL Financial Services Product Owner mentioned that users should dial *200# and select from the provided options to choose the type of tax they wish to pay.
Mosotho mentioned that users will need to provide their Tax Identification Number (TIN) when making payments.
When it comes to paying customs, she emphasized that it must be paid in full, unlike other taxes that can be paid in installments.
“We have simplified the tax payment process for Mosotho, whether employed or running a business,” she said.