With the ongoing global and economic challenges, it is critical that the Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority continues to fulfill its roles and responsibilities for the benefit of the economy, FRCA Chairman, Mr Ajith Kodagoda said.
“FRCA delivered a significantly improved performance in 2012 due largely to the increased economic activity which was created as a result of the lowering of corporate and personal income taxes and improved enforcement and debt collection,” Mr Kodagoda said.
“While the year 2012 had its own challenges, the Board of Directors ensured that the Authority achieved its key deliverables.
“The Board was committed to its vision of having a customer focused organisation with a positive image.
“The Board believed that changes had to be implemented to enable the institution to meet the expectations of the Government, customers and public at large, whilst adhering to the various legislations that the organisation administers.
“FRCA remains supportive of the Government of the day in the deficit reduction path seen in the past few years, and we will further progress in 2014 and 2015 to bring the deficit to below $219.0m or 2.8% of GDP,” Mr Kodagoda said.
The Chairman added that tax dodging through evasion, avoidance and the use of so called tax planning may undermine the envisaged improvements in taxation.
“The Authority will ensure that such breaches are prosecuted and charged with maximum penalties applicable under the law,” Mr Kodagoda said.
––– FRCA
Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority Chief Executive Officer Jitoko Tikolevu (left), with Professor Lee Burns of the International Monetary Fund Pacific Financial Technical Assistance Centre (PFTAC) during a press conference yesterday. Photo: RONALD KUMAR