By Bongiwe Dlamini

MBABANE:Neal Rijikernberg, the Minister of Finance has encouraged all taxpayers to contribute towards Nation building by filing their tax returns as the “file and pay” deadline for corporate entities approaches this week.

Speaking during the Income Filing Season awareness event held at the Eswatini Revenue Service(ERS) Headquarters-Ezulwini Wednesday, the Finance Minister reminded emaSwati that paying tax “is not only a legal obligation” but a responsibility and/or a contribution to Nation building.

“Paying tax is not just a legal obligation; it is a civic responsibility. The taxes we collect enable the government to deliver essential public services, such as education, healthcare, social welfare, infrastructure, and security. Through your contribution, classrooms are built, hospitals are equipped, roads are maintained, and vulnerable communities receive much-needed support. It is therefore vital that each of us takes responsibility by submitting accurate returns and paying what is due on time. This year, the ERS is once again calling on all taxpayers to comply with their filing obligations. The key deadlines to note are; 31 October 2025 for companies and business associations and 30 November 2025 for individuals, including Company Directors, Members of Parliament, individuals with multiple income sources, Trustees, and other persons required to file,” be said.

The Finance Minister further reminded exempt organizations to apply for exemptions on an annual basis. 

“These include some NGOs, charity organisations, churches, cooperatives, public educational institutions, amateur sports organisations, trade unions, etc. All exempt entities must submit their annual financials and founding documents to the ERS. The ERS has continued to simplify the filing process through its digital platforms such as TaxEase and the ERS TaxPal App, allowing taxpayers to file returns conveniently from anywhere and at any time.I encourage everyone to make use of these tools and avoid the last-minute rush that often leads to errors or penalties.Ladies and gentlemen, this filing season is not only about meeting deadlines; it is also about strengthening the culture of voluntary compliance. When more taxpayers comply willingly, the government can plan better, deliver services more efficiently, and rely less on costly enforcement measures,” said the Finance Minister.