Tax crimes pose significant threats to revenue collection and the integrity of legal and financial institutions, often intertwining with other serious offenses. To combat these challenges, the Ministry of Finance in Fiji, in partnership with the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS), has launched a new Tax Compliance Taskforce. This five-member team aims to enhance efforts in preventing and addressing tax evasion and avoidance while bolstering overall tax compliance in the country.
A structured framework is being developed for the Taskforce to guide its operations effectively, and it is expected to collaborate closely with various enforcement agencies through a memorandum of understanding in the upcoming months. The primary goals of the Taskforce include strengthening tax compliance, curbing tax evasion, and improving revenue collection via stringent enforcement and cooperative initiatives with relevant businesses and agencies.
The inaugural meeting of the Taskforce took place recently, chaired by Nitin Gandhi, a board member of FRCS and a chartered accountant. Other notable members include former FRCS chief executive officer Jitoko Tikolevu, former acting Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu, governance expert Avaneesh Anand Raman, and risk and financial management specialist Pramesh Sharma. The Taskforce is initially appointed for a 12-month term and will work alongside various agencies, including the Fiji Financial Intelligence Unit, the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption, and the Fiji Police Force, as well as international partners like Australia and New Zealand.
Key initiatives for the Taskforce include reviewing and enhancing current legislation and processes, developing new frameworks for investigating financial non-compliance, collaborating with relevant agencies to tackle tax evasion, leveraging data to inform investigations, and ensuring strict data privacy and security.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Professor Biman Prasad expressed support for the establishment of the Taskforce, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts among all agencies involved.
The formation of this Taskforce represents a proactive step toward improving tax integrity in Fiji, reinforcing the commitment to transparency and accountability, and ultimately contributing to a more robust economy. Working together with various stakeholders, the Taskforce aims to create a fairer taxation system that benefits all citizens.
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