Tax offenses pose significant risks to revenue generation, erode public confidence in legal and financial systems, and are often associated with more severe criminal activities. To combat these issues, the Ministry of Finance, in partnership with the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS), has formed a five-member Tax Compliance Taskforce. This initiative aims to prevent, identify, and address tax evasion and avoidance while enhancing overall tax compliance in Fiji.
The FRCS announced that a structured framework is being developed for the Taskforce to provide clear operational guidelines. Additionally, within the next few months, a memorandum of understanding will be established with other law enforcement agencies to facilitate cooperation.
The primary objectives of the Taskforce include bolstering tax compliance, deterring tax evasion, and improving revenue collection through focused enforcement and collaboration with relevant sectors. The inaugural meeting of the Taskforce took place recently, under the chairmanship of FRCS board member and chartered accountant Nitin Gandhi. Other notable members include former FRCS chief executive officer Jitoko Tikolevu, former acting Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu, anti-corruption expert Avaneesh Anand Raman, and risk management specialist Pramesh Sharma.
This Taskforce is appointed for an initial period of 12 months and will work closely with the Commissioner of Tax under the FRCS Act, the Fiji Financial Intelligence Unit, the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), the Fiji Police Force, and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The Taskforce will also engage with international partners, including agencies from Australia and New Zealand.
Key responsibilities of the Taskforce include reviewing and enhancing existing legislation and procedures, re-evaluating processes for investigating and prosecuting undisclosed income, collaborating with essential agencies against tax evasion and financial crimes, utilizing data for effective investigations, implementing measures to safeguard revenue, and ensuring adherence to data privacy and security protocols.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, expressed his endorsement of the Taskforce’s establishment and encouraged all agencies involved to work collaboratively for the greater good.
This initiative is an encouraging step towards improving tax compliance and building a more reliable financial system in Fiji. By fostering collaboration among various agencies, this Taskforce has the potential to greatly enhance the country’s tax administration and ultimately benefit its economy and citizens.
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