By RANOBA BAOA
The Fiji Institute of Accountants and Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority have given the assurance to work together to promote improved tax compliance and tax administration processes.
The announcement was made at the authority’s headquarters yesterday in Suva.
While the two bodies have always worked together in terms of having quarterly meetings, the publicised co-operation will strengthen relationship with the authority’s major tax stakeholder, the institute.
Fiji Revenue and Customs chief executive Jitoko Tikolevu welcomed healthy interactions with the accountants.
He said this was so even though the accountants may disagree with some of the authority’s suggestions at times.
Fiji Institute of Accountants president, Cama Raimuria, noted the differences that two bodies faced and this was step up to improve a healthy working relationship to address such issues.
“Our concerns range from inconsistent and inappropriate application of tax laws and practices, including application of provisions under double tax treaties,” Mr Raimuria said.
“Additionally customer service requirements including the request for prompt responses to correspondences and issue of assessments and need to have clear and simple drafting of tax laws.
“Such interactions promoted consistency in laws and practices, in line with best international standards and practices.”
Ease of doing
business rank
It was highlighted that statistics showed Fiji’s ranking in doing business will ease once both bodies work easily together.
“Looking at the latest World Bank Report ‘Economy Ranking’ on ‘Ease of Doing Business’, Fiji is ranked 60 and with this initiative, we believe that it will improve our ranking,” Mr Raimuria said.
FRCA booth at congress
In order to demonstrate their working relationship, the authority is setting up a booth at this year’s Fiji Institute of Accountants Annual Congress from June 7 to 8 at the Sheraton Fiji Resort.
Mr Tikolevu said: “FRCA is being proactive and we will for the first time set up a mini customer service centre during the FIA Congress.
“We will have our senior officers present to assist accountants on their taxation or customs queries.”