Mbabane – The Eswatini Revenue Service has called on all taxpayers in the Kingdom to regularly update their profiles with the tax authority, warning that outdated information can lead to delayed refunds, missed deadlines and communication breakdowns.
ERS Communications and Marketing Manager Nduduzo Dlamini and Senior Taxpayer Education and Information Officer Thulile Simelane made the call during a Tax Talk segment on Eswatini Television, where the two officials unpacked what profile maintenance means and why it matters.
Dlamini said keeping profiles current benefits both the taxpayer and ERS. He used the example of bank account changes to drive the point home. “Let’s say a client does change their bank account and then we do know that as we work with our clients, they do make payments to us and sometimes in our processes there is a time where we also need to refund some of those monies back to them. So with that, having an outdated bank account will lead to funds being sent to a wrong account or funds bouncing and coming back, which will then also cause delays, reconciliation and resources both from ERS and the client,” he said. 
Dlamini also told viewers that profile registration is not a once-off exercise. “We need our clients to keep updating as we work with them,” he said, adding that the requirement is benchmarked against international standards.
Simelane outlined the specific details taxpayers must keep current with ERS. These include email addresses, phone numbers, banking details, changes in company ownership or directorship, and public officer information. She explained that a public officer is a designated individual who represents a company, since a company is regarded as an artificial person under the law.
“When a filing deadline approaches we usually send reminders just to ensure that no taxpayer misses a deadline. So if we have the correct contact numbers like your phone numbers, cell phone numbers, we’ll be able to send those messages and they get to the client on time so that they’re able to also file on time to prevent non-compliance,” Simelane said.
She also pointed out that when banks change their systems, account numbers sometimes change as well, making it critical for clients to notify ERS promptly with a bank confirmation letter to avoid refund delays.
On how to update a profile, Dlamini said ERS has digitised the process. Taxpayers are required to visit the ERS website at www.ers.org.sz, navigate to the forms section and download the profile maintenance form. Once completed, the form must be submitted with supporting documents either by email to info@ers.org.sz or in person at any ERS service centre.
The advantages of keeping a profile current, according to Simelane, include smooth and prompt communication, correct and timely processing of returns and refunds, enhanced service delivery through digital platforms such as the eTax system, improved data accuracy and compliance with data protection requirements.
Dlamini reminded taxpayers that updates do not follow a fixed deadline. “As and when there are changes, we need them to alert us as soon as the changes happen,” he said.
Taxpayers seeking more information can find ERS on social media by searching Eswatini Revenue Services or send an email to info@ers.org.sz.
