(JUBA) – Civil society organisations in South Sudan are warning that ongoing confusion over tax payments could force many of them to shut down. The issue involves disputes between national and state revenue authorities, both of which are demanding income tax from non governmental organisations (NGOs), often for the same periods.
The Community Empowerment for Progress Organisation (CEPO), a leading civil society group, has raised concerns about what it calls “double taxation”.
According to CEPO, both the national and state tax offices are asking NGOs to pay personal income taxes without acknowledging previous payments made to either authority.
CEPO Executive Director Edmond Yakani told Radio Miraya that the situation is worsening, and that some organisations are already facing demands for huge amounts in tax arrears.
He explained that CEPO itself has been ordered to pay more than $165,000 (around 759 million South Sudanese Pounds at the official rate of $1 = 4,600 SSP) in taxes allegedly owed for the past three years.
“Payments were made to both national and state authorities, but neither recognises what was paid to the other,” Mr Yakani said. “This puts immense pressure on our ability to function.”
He warned that if the issue is not resolved soon, many NGOs may be forced to close, leaving critical gaps in service delivery across South Sudan, especially in health, education and peacebuilding work.
A summary of CEPO’s current tax situation:
| Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| Claimed Tax Arrears | Over $165,000 (≈ 759 million SSP) |
| Tax Period | Past three years |
| Payments Already Made | To both national and state authorities |
| Problem | No mutual recognition of payments |
| Risk | Possible shutdown of civil society groups |
Mr Yakani called for urgent coordination between the South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA) and state level tax offices to avoid overlapping demands and legal uncertainty. He added that the Commissioner General of the National Revenue Authority has shown willingness to engage in dialogue to resolve the matter.
“We welcome the Commissioner General’s openness to dialogue,” Yakani said. “But we also urge immediate practical steps to harmonise tax collection and avoid duplication.”
The tax confusion is not only affecting CEPO but also threatens the work of many civil society organisations operating in South Sudan, especially smaller groups that lack the resources to meet multiple tax demands.
These NGOs often fill vital service gaps in remote areas where government presence is limited.
Any disruption to their work could have serious consequences for local communities already struggling with conflict, poverty and limited access to services.
South Sudan’s civil society sector plays a central role in peacebuilding and development, especially as the country prepares for a possible transition to elections.
Delays or shutdowns caused by taxation conflicts could undermine trust, reduce service delivery and affect grassroots efforts toward stability and reform.
