FIRS Chairman Calls for Technology Adoption Amid Evolving Tax Landscape
By Patience Ikpeme
Zacch Adedeji, President of the Commonwealth Association of Tax Administrators (CATA) and chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), has called for increased capacity building to strengthen tax administration processes globally.
In his address at the CATA management meeting held at Marlborough House, Pall Mall, London, Adedeji highlighted the importance of expanding the capabilities of tax personnel across member countries to effectively tackle challenges facing the global tax administration landscape.
The meeting convened tax administrators from esteemed organizations such as His Majesty Revenue and Customs (United Kingdom), Canada Revenue Agency, Australian Taxation Office, and tax authorities from Malaysia, Barbados, Papua New Guinea, Ghana, Lesotho, Maldives, Uganda, Mauritius, Nigeria, and others.
Dr. Adedeji stressed the critical role of technology in advancing tax processes while acknowledging the dual nature of technological advancements – offering opportunities and posing challenges to tax administrators worldwide.
He particularly referenced discussions surrounding OECD’s pillars one and two, which aim to redefine international tax rules, especially concerning digital platforms and remote sales impacting tax revenue thresholds.
Furthermore, Adedeji highlighted the significance of the recent tax convention resolution at the United Nations (UN) Assembly, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in addressing global tax challenges inclusively.
“In light of these developments, it has become increasingly evident that the need for improved and more comprehensive capacity building for CATA members is paramount,” President Adedeji remarked, underscoring the necessity for tax administrators to equip themselves with evolving knowledge and skills to contribute meaningfully to tax discussions and policy formulation.
Adedeji emphasized the readiness required to implement emerging tax rules effectively within respective jurisdictions to maximize their benefits and integration into existing tax administration frameworks.
