In this article, we outline the most important steps taxpayers should take – whether you're a for-profit business, an NGO, or an individual earning rental, consultancy, or investment income.

Know Your Financial Year and Filing Timelines

Ugandan taxpayers have different deadlines based on their “tax” declared financial year-end:

💡 Tip: Confirm your “tax” year-end on the URA portal or your Certificate of Registration. This determines your reporting deadlines.

💡 Tip: Should your “tax year-end” be different from the “financial reporting” year end, you may want to align the two as soon as possible.

File Your Final Provisional Return (ITA-5) by June 30

If your financial year ends on June 30, you must submit a final provisional return by June 30, 2025. This return adjusts your earlier tax estimate to reflect more accurate figures.

• Filing an updated estimate helps you avoid under-provision penalties (20% on shortfall over 10%)

• For individuals (e.g. landlords, consultants, investors), this is your chance to declare final projections and top up where necessary

💡 Tip: If you made losses, underperformed, or have deductible expenses, update this now—it can lower your final tax liability.

Reconcile Your Accounting and Tax Records

As the year closes, accurate reconciliation is key. This includes:

• Bank reconciliations (all accounts)

• WHT Reconciliation – compare URA portal data with certificates from clients and tenants. This may be a good time to “chase up” your clients who have not yet remitted “your” WHT deducted at the time of payment.

• Payroll Reconciliation – ensure total salaries paid (and your payroll) align with PAYE returns

• Rent & Utilities – confirm all landlord payments match WHT obligations

• Sales and Purchases – tie EFRIS invoices to VAT and income declarations

• Loan balances – crosscheck with interest deduction claims etc.

💡 Tip: Individuals: If you rent out property or receive professional income, check that all WHT was filed correctly by third parties and matches your account.

Maximize Allowable Deductions Before Year-End

To reduce your tax liability, confirm that all legitimate expenses are:

• Properly documented

• Recorded before June 30

• Supported by EFRIS-compliant invoices (where applicable)

Key deductible items include:

• Staff costs (salaries, NSSF)

• Utilities, rent, marketing, training

• Professional fees (audit, tax, legal)

• Repairs and maintenance

• Fuel, travel and communication costs

💡 Tip: Consider prepaying some costs (rent, insurance, licenses) before June 30 if they’re claimable and your liquidity position is healthy.

Finalize and Verify VAT and WHT

• Ensure all input VAT claims are supported by EFRIS receipts

• Match VAT returns to URA portal records and EFRIS reports

• Review monthly VAT returns and correct any gaps before annual reconciliation

Also:

• Withholding Tax (WHT) must be verified—ensure you have certificates from your clients/tenants

• Reconcile WHT on services, rent, and commissions.

💡 Tip: Penalties for incorrect or missed claims are avoidable with timely verification.

Individual Taxpayers: Don’t Overlook These

Whether you’re a landlord, consultant, or earning dividends/investment income:

• Review income earned between July 2024 and June 2025

• Declare any rental, professional, or other business income under your TIN

• Ensure any WHT deducted by others is visible on your portal (and follow up if not)

• Top up provisional tax where needed

💡 Tip: Even if you operate informally, once your income crosses the threshold, you are expected to declare and pay.

Quick Checklist Before June 30, 2025

Parting Shot

Getting your house in order before June 30 gives you a head-start. It reduces the risk of penalties, missed claims, or last-minute filing stress. Whether you’re a company director, a sole trader, or an employed landlord, proactive tax compliance pays off.

Need help? Ardenfield Consult can guide you through year-end reviews, reconciliations, and return filings.