Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) says it will soon state its position on the concerns regarding the authorization of Tax Administration Bill which requires one to pay advance income tax before importing goods.

Speaking to YFM Executive Director for CDEDI Sylvester Namiwa said the move will directly hinder the welfare of Malawians especially those that are involved in cross border business.

“CDEDI has received concerns regarding the new advance income tax that has been introduced in Parliament by the Tonse alliance government on Wednesday.

“So far it is clearly that Malawians have expressed reservations with the new income tax which some quarters are naming it as punitive and others think government has ambushed its own citizens because they just introduced it from nowhere,” Namiwa.

He said government could have made it clear on the reasons of introducing the bill before its authorization.

“Such an important bill that is going to have a direct bearing on the welfare of the people especially those that are involved in cross boarder business government could have at least give a warning so that people should prepare,” Namiwa said.

“That said our team is on the ground and shortly we are going to come out in the public with a position as to how we are going to move forward.”