Government to make tax administration systematic

KATHMANDU: Minister for Finance Janardan Sharma has said the taxation system and tax administration will be made more systematic and accountable to the public. Addressing a programme organised at the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) on the occasion of the 10th Tax Day on Wednesday, he said the government will not leave any stone unturned to address the grievances of the taxpayers. He expressed commitment to form a department to promptly address the problems that crop up in the tax administration. "The grievances of the taxpayers need to be addressed immediately and I will form a mechanism soon for the purpose," the Finance Minister said. He said a vehicle scanner will be stationed at all customs offices to facilitate customs process. The Finance Minister also stated the government will take stringent measures to stop tax evasion and revenue leakage, and there will be no discrimination against any taxpayer. Finance Secretary Madhu Kumar Marasini stressed the need for a stable tax policy to create an investment-friendly environment in the country. He said the government will expand the tax net but not raise taxes. Likewise, Finance Secretary (Revenue)  Krishna Hari Pushkar said the government has begun work to improve the tax administration and encourage taxpayers to voluntarily pay the taxes. He also pointed out the need for reforms in the revenue administration. Director General of IRD, Shovakanta Poudel, said the tax administration has become taxpayer-, investment- and technology-friendly after reforms were introduced to strengthen policy, and simplify procedures, and awareness programmes were conducted to educate the public about taxation system. On the occasion, Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) President Shekhar Golchha said the business community is ready to pay taxes, urging the government to create conducive environment for the same. He suggested the government to make the tax administration prompt and efficient. Acting President of Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), Krishna Prasad Adhikari, stressed the need of making the tax system transparent and drew the government's attention towards maintaining a pluralistic tax rate. Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) President Rajendra Malla suggested bringing the real estate businesses also under the tax net. Acting President of Nepal National Industry and Trade Organisation, Dambar Dev Aryal, emphasised the need to promote industrialisation to strengthen the economy. On the occasion, IRD felicitated the largest taxpayers and outstanding employees of the department. Finance Minister Sharma also unveiled a souvenir, annual report and revenue investigation procedures published by IRD.

Source: RSS

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