Ezulwini- The Minister for Finance Neal Rijkernberg has warned that failure by taxpayers to declare income could undermine government’s ability to raise the E19.48 billion in domestic revenue.
Rijkenberg issued the warning during the official opening of the 2026 Annual Income Tax Return Filing Season, arguing that domestic revenue mobilisation remains critical to government’s ability to finance its programmes and development priorities.
He said the E19.48 billion target formed part of the resources government requires to maintain roads, strengthen healthcare and education, support public safety and social programmes, and invest in infrastructure.
Rijkenberg said taxpayers who underdeclare or fail to declare income reduce the pool of resources available to government.
“When income is underdeclared or not declared at all, government is left with fewer resources to meet the growing needs of our nation,” he said.
According to the Minister, such financing gaps can result in the country having to rely on borrowing to make up the shortfall.
“This is neither sustainable nor desirable for the whole nation in the long term,” he said.
The warning places greater emphasis on the role of individual and corporate tax compliance in domestic revenue mobilisation, particularly as the ERS begins the latest filing cycle under the theme “File Right, File on Time.”
Echoeing the Minister’s sentiments, ERS Board ChairmanDavid Dlamini said the filing season provided an opportunity to remind taxpayers that their contributions were directly linked to the country’s ability to finance public services and development programmes.
He said the importance of domestic revenue mobilisation had increased and that every accurate return submitted and tax obligation settled contributed towards financing the country’s public needs.
For businesses, resident trusts and other specified taxpayers, the filing and payment deadline is October 31, 2026, while individuals with employment and other income, HNWIs and other special categories have until November 30, 2026 to pay tax due.
Rijkenberg urged taxpayers to file early, saying delays can increase errors and create additional pressure when supporting documents or clarification are required.
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