The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS), in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, has launched a new Tax Compliance Taskforce aimed at tackling tax evasion and improving overall tax compliance in Fiji. The task force is chaired by Nitin Gandhi, a respected Chartered Accountant and member of the FRCS Board.

This initiative is designed to not only prevent tax evasion but also to enhance revenue collection through strategic enforcement and cooperative efforts with other agencies and businesses. The Taskforce’s responsibilities include:

– Reviewing and suggesting improvements to existing tax legislation and processes.
– Assessing current procedures and developing new frameworks for enforcement and prosecution of undisclosed income.
– Collaborating with key agencies to combat tax evasion and financial crimes.
– Utilizing evidence-based data from various sources to support investigations.
– Implementing security measures to protect revenue and ensure compliance with legal standards.
– Upholding strict data privacy and security measures.

The Taskforce features a diverse membership, including Jitoko Tikolevu, the former CEO of the Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority, Rusiate Tudravu, the former acting Commissioner of Police, and experts in anti-corruption and risk management.

Set for an initial tenure of 12 months, the Taskforce aims to ensure that taxes owed to the government are collected accurately, leveraging baseline income information provided by FRCS. Udit Singh, the FRCS CEO, emphasized the collaborative nature of this initiative, detailing that the Taskforce will work alongside existing agencies like the Fiji Financial Intelligence Unit, the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption, and international partners such as Australia and New Zealand.

To provide a structured approach to its operations, the Taskforce will develop a framework and establish a memorandum of understanding with other enforcement agencies in the coming months.

This initiative represents a positive step towards enhancing tax compliance in Fiji by fostering collaboration among various stakeholders to ensure that all citizens contribute fairly to the nation’s revenue system. The commitment to transparency and integrity in tax collection is essential for building public trust and achieving long-term economic stability.