The government of Maniema province has initiated a digital property census in Kindu, aiming to identify and record all properties in the city. This effort, conducted in partnership with THE WIN, seeks to enhance tax collection, including land tax, rental income tax, and vehicle tax. The census will cover all neighborhoods in Kindu, with teams visiting households to gather comprehensive data on taxpayers subject to various provincial taxes.
The census operation will enable the identification of both developed and undeveloped plots of land, allowing for accurate determination of the land tax base. According to provincial authorities, this initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize tax management and increase public revenue. The government has collaborated with local leaders, including bourgmestres, quarter heads, and the mayor of Kindu, as well as the Federation of Congolese Enterprises, to ensure a smooth process and inform the population.
Beyond property registration, census agents will also collect data on rental properties and vehicles owned by households. This information will help update the database of taxpayers subject to rental income tax and vehicle tax. According to Ali Kyamassa Willy, provincial Minister of Finance, these data will enable the authorities to streamline tax collection and improve revenue generation.
The government has emphasized that the current campaign, which began on November 9, focuses solely on taxpayer identification and registration. The tax collection phase will commence later, with payments expected to start in January 2027, after the completion of the taxpayer database. The authorities are urging the population to cooperate with census teams and develop a culture of tax compliance.
The digital property census is expected to have a positive impact on the province's revenue generation and development. By improving tax collection, the government aims to finance development projects and enhance public services. The initiative is also seen as a step towards modernizing tax management and reducing tax evasion.
The government has assured that the census operation will be conducted in a transparent and inclusive manner, with all stakeholders involved in the process. The authorities have also emphasized the importance of taxpayer cooperation and education, to ensure a successful outcome.
The launch of the digital property census in Kindu is a significant step towards improving tax collection and revenue generation in the province. The government is optimistic that this initiative will have a positive impact on the province's development and economic growth.
Key points
- The digital property census aims to improve tax collection, including land tax, rental income tax, and vehicle tax.
- The census operation will cover all neighborhoods in Kindu and involve the collection of data on rental properties and vehicles.
- The government expects tax payments to commence in January 2027, after the completion of the taxpayer database.
