All IRC officers are qualified

THE executive management of the Internal Revenue Commission would like to respond to the letter “IRC goes hi-tech, forgets human element” (Aug 9) by Mua Hassal.
IRC has offices in major cities and towns in 17 provinces and they are all fully maintained by committed and qualified officers.
Our offices nationwide provide the same quality service as the headquarters in Port Moresby. 
With the rapid increase in our client base in recent years and the number of clients seeking services directly from our head office in Port Moresby, the telephone lines are in high demand and are congested.
We are working closely with Telikom and NEC to upgrade our lines.
In the case that was raised by the writer, the IRC office in Lae is well placed to assist the writer, and if necessary, get further assistance from head office.
The IRC is committed to improving its customer service and is progressively upgrading its communication capabilities to make it easier for PNG taxpayers and businesses at large.
We encourage the public to go to our website, www.irc.gov.pg, to retrieve forms and find answers to tax questions.
The greater use of this website will also decrease the pressure on the telephone system and improve access for those who still need to telephone us. 
Please feel free to contact our taxpayer awareness and education section if you cannot get through our switch board number 322 6600.
The telephone numbers for the taxpayer awareness and education section are 322 6669, 322 6642, 322 6664 and 322 6689 and email addresses are [email protected], [email protected] irc.gov.pg, [email protected]. gov.pg and [email protected] irc.gov.pg.
If you still cannot get through on any of these numbers or email addresses, then call the following mobile numbers for staff from the office of the commissioner’s division who will do their best to assist you: 7609 5644, 7609 5643, 7609 5648, 7384 5081, 73845078, 7384 5077 and 7384 5085.    

Betty Palaso
Commissioner General