In Botswana’s fast-evolving business landscape, staying on top of tax obligations is more important than ever. Whether you run a small startup or a large enterprise, having a valid tax clearance certificate is crucial to prove your compliance.
This guide covers everything you need to obtain a tax clearance certificate in Botswana online, including the latest notes, a step-by-step BURS e-Services process, and common pitfalls to avoid.
What Is a Tax Clearance Certificate?
A Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) is an official document issued by the Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS) confirming your business is compliant with its tax obligations. In short, it signals that your filings are up to date and your assessed liabilities (including any penalties and interest) are settled—reinforcing your credibility with banks, suppliers, partners, and tender committees.
Why Businesses Need a Tax Clearance
A valid BURS tax clearance is frequently mandatory for government tenders, supplier onboarding, opening/maintaining corporate bank accounts, and a growing number of private sector contracts. Beyond eligibility, a TCC helps you avoid administrative delays and penalties, keeps your brand reputation intact, and unlocks opportunities that require proof of tax compliance in Botswana.
Requirements & Eligibility
Before you begin, make sure you can demonstrate full compliance and gather the documents you’ll need during the online application.
Common Documentation Required
- Company registration documents (Certificate of Incorporation, Share Certificates, and any name change certificates)
- Tax Identification Number (TIN) and BURS e-Services login
- Up-to-date tax returns (e.g., Income Tax, VAT, PAYE, Withholding Tax where applicable)
- Proof of settlement of any outstanding taxes, penalties, and interest
- Recent financial statements or supporting schedules if requested during verification
Latest Updates You Should Know
BURS continues to enhance its e-Services portal, with additional verification checks to curb non-compliance. In some cases, you may be prompted to upload extra supporting documents before approval is granted. Always confirm the latest requirements and timelines on the official BURS channels.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Tax Clearance Certificate
Follow these steps to apply via BURS e-Services efficiently and avoid avoidable delays.
Step 1 – Make Sure All Returns & Payments Are Current
Confirm that all relevant returns (e.g., VAT, PAYE, Withholding Tax, and Income Tax) have been submitted and any assessed liabilities are fully paid. If there are late filings or outstanding balances, settle them first—these are the most common reasons for TCC delays or rejections.
Step 2 – Apply via the BURS e-Services Portal
Sign in to the BURS e-Services platform using your credentials. Locate the tax clearance certificate Botswana online application and complete it carefully. Ensure your entity name, TIN, and contact details match your BURS registration information.
Screenshot References and Online Form Tips
Expect fields for company details, TIN, contact information, and declarations. Double-check spellings and numerical entries—typos in TINs or registration numbers can stall processing. If the system asks for additional documents, upload clear, legible files in the recommended formats.
Common Pitfalls and Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting while prior returns or payments are still outstanding
- Incorrect TIN or company registration details
- Missing or unreadable attachments (e.g., low-quality scans)
- Using contact details that you don’t monitor (you may miss follow-up requests)
5.3 Step 3 – Receive and Download Your TCC
Once approved, you’ll receive your tax clearance certificate via email or directly in your BURS e-Services account. Download and save multiple copies (PDF), and share a copy with your procurement, banking, or compliance counterparts when requested.
How Long Is the Certificate Valid?
Tax clearance certificates are generally valid for 12 months from the date of issue. Because the online system can flag issues during renewal (e.g., new assessments or late filings), plan ahead and leave enough time for any verifications to be completed.
Renewal Tips (2025)
- Set reminders to begin renewal well before expiry—don’t wait for tender deadlines.
- Re-confirm all returns and payments are current before you click “apply”.
- Keep your BURS e-Services profile details updated (email, phone, directors where applicable).
Pro Tips to Maintain Ongoing Tax Compliance
Staying compliant year-round prevents last-minute scrambles and helps your renewals proceed smoothly.
Automate Key Dates
Use calendar reminders or a finance task manager to track monthly, quarterly, and annual filing deadlines. Assign owners and due dates to avoid slippage during busy periods.
Work with a Local Accountant
An accountant who understands Botswana tax rules can review your ledgers, reconcile VAT/PAYE, and pre-empt issues that trigger verification. Consider accounting tools that export clean reports if BURS requests additional documentation.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Getting a tax clearance certificate in Botswana is straightforward when your filings and payments are current, your BURS e-Services profile is accurate, and your documentation is ready. Follow the steps above, keep an eye on timelines, and renew early to stay continuously eligible for tenders, supplier onboarding, and banking processes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
You can apply online via the BURS e-Service portal, ensuring all your tax returns are filed and up to date. If everything is in order, you’ll receive an approved TCC.
Most certificates are valid for 12 months. However, always check with BURS for any recent changes to validity periods.
A valid TCC proves your tax compliance, which can be mandatory for government tenders, business banking, and certain private sector contracts.
Generally, you need a valid TIN, up-to-date tax returns, relevant financial documentation, and no outstanding fees or levies.
Yes. Use your registered credentials to sign in to the BURS e-Services portal and complete the TCC application. Ensure prior returns and payments are fully up to date before applying.
Processing time varies based on your compliance status and whether BURS requests additional documentation. Apply early—well before a tender or banking deadline—to allow for verification.
Usually not until those amounts are settled. Clear any outstanding assessments, penalties, and interest, then reapply.
Late or missing returns, unpaid balances (including penalties/interest), incorrect TIN/company details, and incomplete or unreadable attachments.
Yes. Many tenders, supplier onboardings, and bank processes require proof of tax compliance regardless of business size.
Update your BURS e-Services profile and supporting corporate records first, then proceed with the Tax Clearance Certificate application to avoid mismatches that trigger review.
Update your BURS e-Services profile and supporting corporate records first, then proceed with the Tax Clearance Certificate application to avoid mismatches that trigger review.
Yes—provided it’s still valid. Most entities will accept the same certificate until the expiry date.
