Getting a tax clearance certificate before a tender closes

Most government and many private tenders ask bidders for a valid tax clearance certificate from the Uganda Revenue Authority. It is URA’s confirmation that your tax affairs are in order. A bid without one is usually rejected at the first check, however good the rest of it is.

What URA looks at

You apply through the URA web portal. Before issuing a certificate, URA checks your tax account, so the application only goes through smoothly when:

• All the returns you are registered for have been filed, including nil returns for periods with no activity.
• Tax that is due has been paid, or an arrangement to pay has been agreed with URA.
• Your registration details, such as your business address and contacts, are current.

Where applications get stuck

• Missing nil returns. A business that had no sales still has to file. Unfiled periods block the certificate.
• Old penalties and interest sitting on the account from late filings.
• Mismatched details between your URSB registration and your URA record.

Each of these takes time to clear, which is why it pays to check your account weeks before a tender closes, not days.

Keep it current

A certificate is valid for a set period, and buyers check the date. If you bid regularly, put its expiry date in your calendar alongside your filing deadlines.

Requirements and validity periods are set by URA and can change. Ask us to check your account before you rely on a date.

We review URA accounts, clear outstanding filings and apply for tax clearance. See our URA services.