The Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) has set a domestic revenue collection target of E19.48 billion for the 2026/27 financial year. This target was announced as the annual income tax filing season gets underway. Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg launched the 2026 Annual Income Tax Return Filing Season at the ERS headquarters in Ezulwini on Wednesday, 23 September 2026. The theme for this year’s filing season is “File Right. File On Time.” This marks the beginning of a key period in Eswatini’s tax calendar.
The E19.48 billion target represents resources that the government requires to finance public programmes and services. These include roads, healthcare, education, public safety, social programmes, and infrastructure investment. According to Rijkenberg, achieving the target is a shared responsibility between the government, the ERS, and taxpayers. Taxpayers are expected to accurately declare their income, submit returns on time, and settle taxes due. The minister emphasized the importance of meeting these obligations to ensure the government has the necessary resources to meet the country’s growing needs.
Rijkenberg warned that underdeclaring or not declaring income reduces the resources available to the government. This could contribute to an increased reliance on borrowing, which is neither sustainable nor desirable in the long term. The 2026 filing campaign encourages taxpayers to prepare early, understand their tax obligations, and submit accurate returns within the required deadlines. Taxpayers are also advised to make use of ERS support channels and electronic services. Filing early can help taxpayers avoid penalties and interest while allowing the ERS to process returns more efficiently.
One of the major changes introduced during this year’s filing season is an expanded definition of high net worth individuals (HNWIs). The ERS will now include individuals whose combined assets are valued at E3 million or more. This includes significant immovable and movable property, financial assets, investments, shares, bonds, and other assets. The expanded category also covers individuals whose minor children hold assets with a combined value of E3 million or more, as well as trustees and trust funds.
The expanded HNWI definition aims to obtain a more complete picture of taxpayers’ economic circumstances. According to Rijkenberg, experience has shown that significant wealth may not always be reflected through annual earnings alone. In some cases, individuals with substantial economic resources have never declared income despite controlling significant assets. The minister emphasized that the adjustment is not intended to discourage wealth creation or investment but to improve fairness and transparency within the tax system.
ERS Commissioner General Brightwell Nkambule also highlighted the importance of asset declaration. Municipalities will play a role in this process, although specific details were not provided. The ERS is working to ensure that taxpayers with significant assets comply with their tax obligations. This includes individuals with substantial economic resources who may not have previously declared income.
The Eswatini Revenue Service is urging taxpayers to take advantage of its support channels and electronic services to ensure compliance with tax obligations. The authority emphasizes the importance of accurate and timely filing to avoid penalties and interest. The ERS will work closely with taxpayers and municipalities to ensure that the revenue target is met and that the tax system is fair and transparent.
Key points
- The Eswatini Revenue Service has set a domestic revenue collection target of E19.48 billion for the 2026/27 financial year.
- The ERS has expanded its definition of high net worth individuals to include those with combined assets valued at E3 million or more.
- Taxpayers are encouraged to prepare early and make use of ERS support channels and electronic services to ensure compliance with tax obligations.
