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The Finance Bill 2025 has been forwarded to the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning for examination, following its classification as a priority piece of legislation.
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This referral follows a resolution adopted by the National Assembly on February 13, 2025, which allows the Speaker to forward priority Bills to relevant committees for processing during both the Short and Long Recess periods.
The decision is in accordance with Standing Order 127, which outlines how Bills should be referred to committees and the procedures for public participation.
The Bill, which seeks to amend various tax-related laws, including those governing income tax, VAT, excise duty, and tax procedures, is now ready for its First Reading in the House.
In line with its priority status, the Speaker has acted promptly to ensure the Bill is reviewed in advance of the House reconvening.
“In accordance with the House resolution, the Finance Bill (National Assembly Bill No. 19 of 2025) has now been referred to the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning for scrutiny,” Speaker Moses Wetang’ula announced.
He noted that the Leader of the Majority Party had requested that the Bill be included among key agenda items for debate when Parliament resumes its sittings on Tuesday, May 27, 2025—a request the Speaker approved.
He further instructed Members of Parliament and the public to be aware that the committee is expected to thoroughly examine the Bill and present its report once normal House business resumes.
The Speaker also directed the House Business Committee to prioritize the Bill’s processing and asked the Clerk of the National Assembly to inform all members and support public consultation on the Bill.
This process ensures that the Finance Bill will be considered promptly upon the resumption of parliamentary sessions, maintaining legislative momentum even during recess.
The Bill was officially published on May 6, 2025, after receiving Cabinet approval, and was introduced in Parliament on April 30, 2025.
Most of the proposed changes are expected to take effect on July 1, 2025. However, some elements—such as provisions on Advance Pricing Agreements and waivers on penalties—will come into force on January 1, 2026.
