FRCS waives $75M in penalties as tax amnesty ends

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service has announced the successful processing of more than 40,000 tax returns during its now-concluded tax amnesty program, waiving a staggering $75 million in penalties for taxpayers who came forward.

FRCS CEO Udit Singh says the amnesty, which ends today, marks a pivotal moment in Fiji’s compliance history and signals a turning point, as FRCS shifts from amnesty to full enforcement.

He says that as part of its intensified efforts, since July 1st, 2024, FRCS compliance teams have identified nearly $100 million in unpaid tax liabilities, along with $7 million in penalties — uncovered through audits, lifestyle checks, and new digital risk profiling systems.

He emphasized that with the grace period now over, FRCS will focus on enforcement, and non-compliance will incur penalties.

Singh also highlighted the newly launched Compliance Improvement Strategy 2025–2028, which focuses on improving taxpayer registration, filing, accurate reporting, and timely payment.

He says that strategy also introduces the VAT Monitoring System, social media risk analysis, and stronger collaboration across agencies — all designed to modernize Fiji’s tax landscape and ensure fair, transparent, and efficient revenue collection.

He says this reflects a more mature compliance framework — one driven by intelligence, fairness, and professionalism.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad says that the Compliance Improvement Strategy is not intended to remove existing tax incentives or target specific sectors.

He says it aims to ensure fairness, strengthen revenue integrity, and foster long-term partnerships between taxpayers and the FRCS.

Professor Prasad says that the strategy is not about withdrawing government support, but about ensuring that those who fall within the tax net and have the means to pay, are paying their fair share.

He says the goal is to help businesses thrive, emphasizing that FRCS’s role is not to destroy them but to support and guide them in understanding their legal obligations.