The Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) has revealed that it has detected 316 cases of fraudulent claims or forged documents over the past four years, worth a combined N$1 billion.

These include filing of false tax returns, the use of forged invoices, issuance of fake tax good-standing certificates, collection of VAT without being registered, and employers who deduct Pay-As-You-Earn from workers' salaries but fail to pay it over to NamRA.

NamRA's Chief Strategic Communication and Support Engagements, Yarukeekuro Ndorokaze, called on the public to be vigilant and avoid falling victim to these practices.

The agency also warned those involved that legal action will follow.

"About N$144 million was collected and returned to the state in respect of falsified or fraudulent claims. A tax refund means refund claims that were submitted in respect of income tax or VAT and that have now been recovered for the state. The amount that we suspect for fraudulent claims is about N$1 billion, and therefore we advise the public not to participate in such acts.”

NamRA also reminded all employers to ensure that all Pay-AS-You-Earn amounts withheld from employees are paid over to avoid prosecution.