#MpaReceiptYange is a LUganda word which simply means, asking for a receipt after a transaction. According to Dictionary.com, a receipt is “a written acknowledgment of having received, or taken into one’s possession, a specified amount of money, goods, etc”. Such a document can also be referred to as a “a bill of parcel, unpacking note, packaging slip, (delivery) docket, shipping list, packing list, packing slip, delivery list, manifest or customer receipt”.
In Uganda, the use of receipts seems a less common habit for many people more especially in rural areas. Different people share how such documents are less useful basing on their different factors for example, one won’t claim for a receipt upon purchasing a match box which goes for only UGX 100/=.
In a bid to instill the practice, Uganda Revenue Authority is reviving the receipt campaign dubbed #MpaReceiptYange, to ensure people demand for receipts. The URA team has pitched camp in Mid-Western Uganda as the campaign, which will spread to the entire country, kicked off.
It is true that many Ugandan’s not only fail to ask for such transaction proofs but too don’t know the qualities of a genuine receipt and what should be contained (written on the receipt). According to the document available on URA web portal, to confirm that a receipt is genuine and admissible by institutions like them, look out for the following.
- The words “Receipt” or “invoice” in a prominent place
- The name, address and Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) of the seller.
- The name or business name and address of the recipient (purchaser).
- The serial number of the invoice and date of issue.
- The quantity or volume of the goods or services supplied.
- The selling price per unit and total value.
- The date the receipt/invoice was issued.
- A brief description of the items sold sufficient to identify the goods or services supplied.
What does this mean?
If you are one among the many who have not been asking for transaction receipts, then it’s high time you develop the #MpaReceiptYange habit. Known benefits of keeping such records may include but not limited to;
“Losses and fraud can be detected early and this simplifies the process of determining profits. It also reduces cost of compliance as companies and Small and Medium Term Enterprises (SMEs) do not struggle to get documentation like invoices and receipts when they transact with others”.
The next time you buy or sell something, ask for the receipt and or give it to the buyer if you are seller. And one you are given one, don’t through it way as you may need it at some point in time.
