NUG Minister of Home Affairs, Lwin Ko Latt
Mizzima
The National Unity Government collected over 89,844 million kyats (approximately 23 million USD) in tax revenue in 2023 from the 42 townships in Myanmar under its control.
Of that tax take, 60 per cent was allocated to administration and defence and 20 per cent was allocated to healthcare in the NUG controlled areas. The remaining 20 per cent went to the NUG Central Government, said the NUG Minister of Home Affairs, Lwin Ko Latt, in response to a question from Mizzima at the online NUG press conference held on 30 April 2024.
“The administration and defense sectors are allowed to use 80% of the funds while the remaining 20% is managed by the Central”, said Lwin Ko Latt.
The 20 percent of the tax take that goes to the NUG Central Government will be managed by the government, but if necessary it could be redistributed to the 42 townships, according to Lwin Ko Latt.
He also stressed that the NUG taxes should not be a burden on people saying: “In terms of tax policy, we do not collect taxes that directly burden the people.”
He also explained that the NUG will form a tax inspection team to administer the taking of taxes in the 42 townships, saying: “This month, the NUG’s inspection team will be formed. This is important so that we can continue to proceed.”
The names of the 42 townships where residents are being taxed by the NUG has not yet been released. Though Mizzima asked the NUG spokesperson Nay Bhone Latt for the names of the townships after the press conference, he is yet to respond.
As well as collecting taxes the NUG has also raised funds from selling Spring Lottery tickets, selling special treasury bonds, setting up the Spring Development Bank and the NUG Pay system, and selling shares.
