Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) has given out 464 million francs to more than 40,000 consumers who requested receipts for their purchases between April and June this year.
The rewards, announced on August 15, 2025, are part of RRA’s ongoing campaign to encourage buyers to always ask for an Electronic Billing Machine (EBM) receipt whenever they shop.
Since the program started in 2024, over 1.5 billion francs have already been shared among more than 130,000 consumers. RRA says nearly 200,000 people have registered for the scheme, generating more than 4 million receipts that brought in about 33 billion francs in VAT.
How it works
To qualify, a buyer simply needs to ask for an EBM receipt and make sure their registered phone number appears on it. The VAT shown on that receipt must then be properly declared and paid by the business.
If a trader refuses to give a receipt, RRA asks buyers to report them. The customer provides the shop’s name, TIN number, location, purchase date, proof of payment (such as Mobile Money or bank transfer), and details of what was bought. In return, that customer receives a bonus reward worth 50% of the penalty charged to the trader.
Reports can be made directly to RRA via WhatsApp on 0739008010.
Bigger prizes every month
To add excitement, RRA has also partnered with local tech firms to launch “TengaPromo.” Under this scheme, every VAT-paying receipt earns consumers points that can be redeemed for prizes. By dialing *562#, shoppers can play for rewards ranging from 5,000 francs to 1 million francs. More than 1,200 people stand a chance to win, with up to 50 million francs given out monthly.
Why it matters
RRA officials say this reward program is not just about prizes, but about building a culture of accountability. When consumers demand receipts, it helps ensure that businesses declare the right amount of tax. In turn, those taxes fund schools, hospitals, roads, and other public services.
A Ministerial Order guiding the scheme also guarantees that every individual buyer—purchasing for personal use and not for resale—is entitled to a reward equal to 10% of the VAT shown on their receipt.
To join, buyers need only register by providing their full name, a Rwandan phone number, Mobile Money or bank account, and a national ID (or valid foreign ID for non-Rwandans).
For ordinary shoppers, this means that simply asking for a receipt could put cash back in their pocket—while at the same time strengthening Rwanda’s tax system.
