Tax offenses pose significant threats to a nation’s revenue collection and can erode public trust in both the legal and financial systems. Recognizing the gravity of this issue, the Ministry of Finance, in collaboration with the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS), has established a dedicated five-member Tax Compliance Taskforce. This initiative aims to combat tax evasion and avoidance while reinforcing tax compliance across Fiji.
The newly formed taskforce is in the process of developing a structured operational framework to guide its activities, which will include creating a memorandum of understanding with various enforcement agencies in the coming months. The primary objectives of the taskforce include enhancing tax compliance, preventing tax evasion, and boosting revenue collection through robust enforcement and cooperative efforts with relevant stakeholders.
Chaired by Nitin Gandhi, a board member of FRCS and a chartered accountant, the taskforce also consists of notable members including former FRCS CEO Jitoko Tikolevu, ex-acting Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu, governance expert Avaneesh Anand Raman, and risk management specialist Pramesh Sharma. Their appointment will initially last for 12 months, during which they will collaborate with the Commissioner of Tax under the FRCS Act, as well as various agencies such as the Fiji Financial Intelligence Unit and the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). They will also work with international partners from Australia and New Zealand.
The taskforce’s responsibilities encompass a variety of tasks aimed at improving tax compliance and curbing financial crimes. These include reviewing and suggesting enhancements to current legislation, refining investigative and enforcement frameworks, collaborating with key agencies, utilizing evidence for investigations, implementing measures to safeguard revenue, and upholding data privacy and security protocols.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Professor Biman Prasad praised the formation of the taskforce, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts across all agencies.
This proactive approach in forming a taskforce dedicated to addressing tax compliance issues not only reflects a commitment to fostering integrity within the financial system but also serves to enhance public confidence in government financial oversight.
In summary, the establishment of the FRCS-led Tax Compliance Taskforce is a significant step towards strengthening tax adherence in Fiji, demonstrating a collective commitment to upholding fiscal responsibility, and potentially leading to more robust public services funded through enhanced revenue collection efforts.
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