Tax leaders met in Fiji last week to discuss the effectiveness of the implementation of various tax compliance strategies and reforms at respective Tax Administrations.

This was highlighted by the Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority acting chief executive officer Visvanath Das.

These tax administrators from the eleven Pacific Island Countries shared challenges they face to collect revenue for their respective government coffers.

The meeting was attended by thirty delegates who also had twelve independent observers from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Asian Development Bank (ADB), Pacific Financial Technical Assistance Centre (PFTAC), New Zealand Inland Revenue Department and Organization for Economic Corporation and Development (OECD).

Mr Das said: “Voluntary tax compliance is what we are focusing on improving now.

“If all taxpayers pay their fair share of taxes and on time than we will have a robust economy, where every Fijian will benefit.

“The Pacific Tax Administrators also noted that revenue leakages, profit shifting, tax avoidance and tax evasion are some of the common issues affecting the Pacific Island countries and hence the need for regional collaboration to combat these concerns.”

He added sharing of information within tax administrations to improve taxpayer services was also discussed at length during the three day meeting.

“Partnership between taxpayers and the tax administration also plays vital role in voluntary tax compliance.

“Members agreed that the tax office should provide assistance to its taxpayers as and when required instead of dictating them to comply.”

A full time Pacific Island Tax Administration Association (PITAA) secretariat office will be based in Fiji which will further enhance and improve the roles of Pacific Island Countries at regional level.

source: FIRCA

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