Tax reforms target services

 SIR Nagora Bogan says the taxation system is dysfunctional when it comes to providing services to the people.

Sir Nagora, chairman of the tax review committee, said there were many outstanding administrative matters which needed improvements.

He said people and businesses were waiting to see some reduction in taxes and levies and to have a system that was user-friendly. It will take a while to achieve that.

The committee was in Kokopo yesterday with officers from the Treasury department, Internal Revenue Commission, PNG Customs Services and the department of trade, commerce and industry.

He said the tax review would ensure that the fiscal regime remained relevant, efficient and effective and reflected the current to medium-term socio-economic growth trends in the country.

People in East New Britain have expressed the need for more awareness on tax and levies among rural people. Bogan urged the provincial government and its administration to work with the Internal Revenue Commission and other stakeholders in packaging awareness material into the local language.