Ethiopia: Tax Authority to Start Collecting Fingerprints in United States

(April 6, 2011, (Addis Ababa))--The Ethiopian Revenues and Customs Authority (ERCA) is to start collecting the fingerprints of Ethiopians residing in the United States (US) who have businesses in Ethiopia, as of Monday, April 4, 2011

A total of 157,816 Ethiopian citizens received legal resident status in the US between 1930 and 2010 and received legal permanent residence permits, according to the US Department of Homeland Security. Last year, 14,266 Ethiopians obtained residency permit, according to the department.

However, the number and identity of those who have businesses in Ethiopia have not yet been identified by the ERCA. In order for them to be allocated a Tax Identification Number (TIN) they need to register even while residing abroad.

All taxpayers are required to register their businesses with the ERCA and submit the owner’s fingerprints to register for a TIN, which is required to receive a business licence and engage in commercial activities in Ethiopia, according to Proclamation 286/1994. To date, 1.2 million individuals have submitted their fingerprints in Ethiopia. Read more from Addis Fortune »

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