🧾 Tax · URA · Compliance

How to Avoid URA Tax Penalties in Uganda 2026

📅 May 2026⏱ 5 min read✍️ Basket Advisory, Kampala

URA Penalty Schedule 2026

OffencePenalty
Late PAYE return filingUGX 200,000 per month of default
Late PAYE payment2% per month interest on outstanding
Late VAT return filingUGX 200,000 per month of default
Underreporting income (negligence)30% of underpaid tax
Underreporting income (fraud)60% of underpaid tax plus prosecution
Failure to maintain recordsUGX 2,000,000

The 5 Most Common URA Compliance Failures

  1. Missing the 15th of the month — PAYE, NSSF, and VAT all due on 15th. One day late triggers penalties
  2. Not including all taxable income — housing and transport allowances must be in PAYE
  3. Not registering new employees from day one
  4. Paying suppliers without deducting withholding tax — especially consultancy payments
  5. Not filing annual returns — required even with zero tax liability

How to Regularise Your Tax Position

  1. Calculate all outstanding taxes, interest, and penalties honestly
  2. Approach URA Taxpayer Services and proactively disclose outstanding liabilities
  3. Request a payment plan — URA does negotiate instalment agreements
  4. File all outstanding returns even for periods you cannot pay immediately
  5. Set a calendar reminder for 14th of each month to prepare all returns

💬 Worried about outstanding tax obligations in Uganda?

Basket Advisory helps businesses regularise URA tax positions and maintain 100% compliance. Want to know more? Talk to our consultant.

📧 solutions@basketadvisory.com
Talk to a Consultant →
Share:LinkedInXWhatsApp