Digital Tax Stamps (DTS) Cost Businesses Money

Today, Uganda Revenue Authority officers destroyed over 13,391 alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages discovered in Nakasongola without digital stamp laws.

The exercise was presided over by Robert Wamala, the acting manager of public corporate affairs, who stated that the goods destroyed were supposed to be fixed with tax stamps that cost as little as 13/= Ugx per bottle. He went on to say that these fees are more of an expense to cover their taxes.

Confiscated stock 

According to tax procedure code sec19B(1), a taxpayer who fails to fix or activate a stamp on goods is liable to pay a penal tax equal to double the tax due on goods, or 50 million shillings moreover, if the payer is unable to pay, the goods are retained.

In 2019, the URA introduced the DTS as a solution to track and trace platforms that send production and importation of specific products. Additionally, the URA identified the need to suppress production and import figures, smuggling of excise goods and illicit trade, and protect consumers from harmful products.
The products in this DTS are stamped for both tax and security purposes, and this includes beverages such as soda, beers, spirits, juices, and wines, among others.

The URA is still running the #KakasaWithDTS campaign to ensure taxpayers abide by the law.

URA guidelines on DTS