Tax Awareness Week is an ideal opportunity for us as tax administrators and tax payers to take stock of our individual roles in the development effort.
One of our primary objectives as tax administrators is to collect revenues to allow Government to implement programmes and projects for the benefit of the population. This is not always an easy task, particularly in an economy where the tax base is limited. In the last few years, this Government has been implementing a major tax reform programme with one of the primary goals being to enhance tax administration. The other goal of the reform is to review existing policies with a view to making them more in line with today’s realities and challenges.
I am extremely pleased with the achievements so far. Our success to date, with the implementation of the Value Added Tax has been exceptional by all standards. As a consequence of that success, we have been able to move ahead with the reform programme and as such, government was able to hold to its promise to provide some relief from income taxes.
We are aware that the programme is not yet complete and in order to sustain the benefits we have achieved so far, we are to remain focused on the objectives and not seek to undermine any of the policies we have implemented.
I must commend the many taxpayers who take their responsibilities seriously. Effective tax administration requires partnership between the tax payer and tax administrator.
Of course, we all wish that there were no taxes to be paid but no taxes means inability to provide public goods and services. It is my hope therefore, that those persons who are not up to date with their payments, use this week’s observance of tax awareness week as an opportunity to take the necessary action to be in compliance with the law. In addition, all taxpayers should make use of the educational programmes which are being run during the week.
The challenges that are currently being faced in the financial sector worldwide are unprecedented.
It is necessary that we seek to minimize the impact on our own economy. Clearly, we will not remain unscathed. It is my view however, that if we take the right policy decisions, the negative impact of these challenges can be minimised. Both the taxpayer and the tax administration must bear this in mind and act accordingly.
As we move forward with the reform programme, our focus will continue to be the enhancement of tax administration and policy review. Some measures are easier implemented than others. Some can be implemented in shorter period than others.
In the final analysis, the intention is to get an optimal mix of policy and administration measures that benefit the majority of the citizens of Dominica and the common good. As we move along this path we will continue to engage the stakeholders as we have done in the past.
I take this opportunity to thank the management and staff of the Inland Revenue for their efforts.
I thank also our regional and international partners who continue to provide us with technical and other assistance particularly in the implementation of our reform programme.
To the taxpayer, I urge that you comply at all times with the laws and acknowledge those who have remained compliant.
I wish all of you a successful Tax Awareness week 2009. May God Bless You! |
