The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service has launched the Tax Crimes Taskforce, which will review the framework, investigate those not paying their taxes, and determine how to address the situation.
This task force Chair will be Nitin Gandhi and it includes the former Acting Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu and former FRCS CEO Jitoko Tikolevu,the former CEO of Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority Jitoko Tikolevu, anti-corruption and governance expert Avaneesh Anand Raman and the risk and financial expert Pramesh Sharma.
Professor Biman says the task force was appointed effective from the 1st of August 2024 for an initial period of 12 months.
He says according to Gandhi the task force will take appropriate measures to ensure that the taxes owed are accurately collected through FRCS processes.
The Deputy Prime Minister says according to Gandhi they will operate in collaboration with rather than supplanting, the role of the Commissioner of Tax under the FRCS Act, the Fiji Financial Intelligence, Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption, the Police Force, the Director of Public Prosecutions Office and other relevant agencies.
Speaking at the launch of the task force, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad says if sufficient tax revenue is not collected, the government will struggle to undertake basic initiatives such as infrastructure development, road construction, hospital repairs, and investments in education and health.
Professor Prasad says these efforts are essential for combating poverty and improving the quality of life for citizens.
He adds tax reform has performed well over the past two years, with the government surpassing $3 billion in tax revenue collection for the first time last financial year and tax collections over the last four months has shown promising results.
FRCS CEO, Udit Singh says the framework focuses on addressing tax avoidance and ensuring tax compliance.
