The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS), in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, has launched a Tax Compliance Taskforce aimed at combating tax evasion and avoidance, while enhancing tax compliance across the nation. Chaired by the knowledgeable Chartered Accountant Nitin Gandhi, the Taskforce is designed to bolster revenue collection through strong enforcement and cooperative efforts alongside relevant agencies and businesses.
The specific objectives of the Taskforce include:
– Assessing and suggesting enhancements to current legislation and processing methods.
– Reviewing existing practices and creating frameworks for investigating and prosecuting undisclosed income and financial non-compliance.
– Partnering with essential agencies to tackle tax evasion and related financial crimes.
– Leveraging evidence-based data from various sources to support compliance investigations.
– Establishing measures to safeguard revenue and uphold legal standards.
– Upholding strict protocols for data privacy and security.
Other distinguished members of the Taskforce include Jitoko Tikolevu, the former CEO of the Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority; Rusiate Tudravu, a former acting Commissioner of Police; anti-corruption expert Avaneesh Anand Raman; and financial risk management professional Pramesh Sharma. The Taskforce has been appointed for an initial term of 12 months, during which it will implement strategies to ensure accurate tax collection through FRCS processes.
FRCS CEO Udit Singh emphasized that the Taskforce will work in conjunction with existing authorities, including the Commissioner of Tax, the Fiji Financial Intelligence Unit (FFIU), and the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), among others, including international partners like Australia and New Zealand.
Additionally, a framework is currently being developed to provide the Taskforce with a clear structure and operational guidelines, with plans for a memorandum of understanding with other enforcement agencies in the near future.
This coordination reflects a proactive approach by the Fijian government to ensure fair tax collection and a commitment to maintaining the integrity of the tax system, ultimately contributing to the country’s economic stability.
This initiative has the potential to create a more transparent financial environment in Fiji, fostering trust between citizens and the government. The collaborative spirit demonstrated by the involved agencies signifies a hopeful step towards a more compliant and equitable tax system that can benefit all Fijians in the long run.
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