Fiji’s accounting and tax community is pressing for continued dialogue as regulators roll out reforms connected to the 2025-2026 National Budget. The Fiji Institute of Chartered Accountants (FICA) hosted two forums with the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) in Suva and Nadi, centering on the implications of the new budget policies and the ongoing Value-Added Tax Monitoring System (VMS).
FICA reiterated its commitment to creating platforms for informed debate, professional understanding, and smooth implementation of national policies. The institute also praised FRCS for its ongoing partnership and signaled readiness for further engagements that would strengthen Fiji’s accounting profession and support the country’s economic development.
At the Suva forum, attention turned to VAT adjustments and investment incentives designed to spur growth. The session was led by Shavindra Nath, FRCS Director of Corporate Services and Chief of Staff, with Rohit Pillay, FRCS Manager VAT Compliance, outlining the objectives of the VMS and its role in boosting tax transparency and efficiency.
In Nadi, FRCS Manager Policy Rahul Goundar shared insights into the 2025-2026 Budget policies and fiscal priorities, while Pillay again provided a detailed briefing on how the VMS operates and what compliance is expected from businesses. Both forums included panel discussions that deepened the analysis of the topics and encouraged active participation from attendees.
The interactive format drew questions and reflections from participants, reflecting a broad-based interest in how fiscal policy and digital tax administration will affect firms and practitioners in Fiji.
Context from ongoing FRCS initiatives shows a broader push toward modernizing tax administration and strengthening compliance, with a clear focus on integrating more businesses into the digital economy through the VMS. Earlier discussions and industry feedback have highlighted concerns from small and medium-sized enterprises about the costs and practicalities of upgrading systems to align with VMS requirements, leading to considerations of lower thresholds, affordable point-of-sale solutions, and other forms of support for SMEs. Government and FRCS have signaled that these concerns will be addressed as part of a gradual, collaborative rollout of digital tax measures.
The overarching message from FICA and FRCS remains one of partnership and proactive engagement. By maintaining open dialogue, Fiji aims to improve tax compliance, transparency, and public trust while ensuring that reforms support inclusive growth and the competitiveness of local businesses.
What this means for businesses and professionals is a continued emphasis on clarity around VAT changes, the timeline for VMS implementation, and the availability of practical tools and assistance to ease the transition. Stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed about policy developments and to engage with FRCS and professional bodies during the rollout of these digital initiatives.
Overall, the forums underscore a forward-looking approach to Fiji’s fiscal reform—one that seeks to balance robust revenue administration with a supportive environment for business and a resilient economy. The ongoing collaboration between FICA and FRCS is positioned to help Fiji navigate the budget’s implications while advancing a more transparent, digitized tax system.
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