The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS), in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, has launched a Tax Compliance Taskforce dedicated to combatting tax evasion and avoidance while enhancing overall tax compliance in the country.
Led by Nitin Gandhi, a respected Chartered Accountant and Board Member of FRCS, the Taskforce’s mission is to bolster tax compliance and revenue collection through strict enforcement and collaboration with various governmental and business sectors.
Key objectives of the Taskforce include the following:
– Evaluating and proposing enhancements to existing tax legislation and procedures.
– Assessing current operations and revamping frameworks for investigating and enforcing compliance regarding undisclosed income.
– Partnering with key agencies to tackle tax evasion and financial misconduct.
– Utilizing reliable evidence to assist in investigations.
– Establishing protective measures to secure revenue and uphold legal compliance.
– Adhering to strict data privacy and security guidelines.
The Taskforce comprises notable members, including Jitoko Tikolevu, the former CEO of the Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority (FRCS), Rusiate Tudravu, a former acting Commissioner of Police, anti-corruption expert Avaneesh Anand Raman, and risk management specialist Pramesh Sharma. Their collective experience is expected to enhance the effectiveness of the Taskforce’s operations.
This initiative, set for an initial duration of 12 months, aims to ensure the accurate collection of owed taxes through the established mechanisms of FRCS. Udit Singh, CEO of FRCS, emphasized that the Taskforce will work alongside existing structures including the Commissioner of Tax, the Fiji Financial Intelligence Unit, Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption, the Fiji Police Force, and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, as well as international partners like Australia and New Zealand.
Moreover, a framework outlining the Taskforce’s operational structure and guidelines is currently in development, with plans for a memorandum of understanding with additional enforcement bodies in the coming months.
This collaborative approach represents a hopeful step towards enhancing tax compliance and integrity in Fiji’s financial system, ensuring that resources are utilized effectively for the benefit of all citizens. Overall, the formation of this Taskforce reflects a proactive commitment to upholding fiscal responsibility and fostering trust within the economic landscape.
Leave a comment