THE Papua New Guinea Internal Revenue Commission (IRC) is set to modernize its tax administration with the introduction of the Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS).
The contract for this long-awaited transformation was officially signed yesterday by the Governor General at Government House, following approval from the National Executive Council (NEC) after a rigorous procurement process administered by the National Procurement Authority.
The agreement was formalized between the Head of State and representatives from Clade PNG Limited and Blyce (formerly BearingPoint Caribbean), marking a pivotal step towards modernizing tax administration and enhancing taxpayer services nationwide.
The ITAS contract comes at a critical time, following the winding-up of SOGEMA Technologies in Canada last year, which developed the current SIGTAS system used by the IRC.
The NEC’s decisive action has mitigated risks associated with the transition, and Blyce’s proven expertise in upgrading tax systems from SIGTAS to their advanced Multi Tax Solution is expected to ensure a smooth and secure migration of data.
ITAS will replace the outdated SIGTAS system, which lacks essential modern features to meet today’s digital requirements.
By introducing advanced functionalities, ITAS will significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of tax administration, transforming the way the IRC interacts with taxpayers and manages tax collection.
Key features and benefits of ITAS include:
Streamlined Processes: ITAS simplifies tax operations, reducing bureaucratic obstacles and enabling faster processing times, which will lead to improved compliance.
Enhanced Taxpayer Experience: New features like E-Registration, E-Filing, and a Self-Service Portal will enable taxpayers to manage their tax affairs remotely, minimizing the need for in-person visits to IRC offices.
Robust Security Measures: ITAS will incorporate state-of-the-art security protocols, including multi-factor authentication and blockchain technology, to protect sensitive taxpayer data and financial transactions.
Efficient Data Management: Improved data handling capabilities will support better decision-making for tax authorities and provide taxpayers with accurate information regarding their obligations.
Interconnectivity with Other Systems: ITAS will seamlessly integrate with other regulatory platforms, creating a unified approach to tax administration and compliance.
Increased Revenue Collection: By modernizing the tax system, the IRC expects to enhance compliance and boost revenue collection, enabling greater investment in public services and infrastructure.
Economic Growth Support: A more efficient tax system will foster a favorable business environment, attracting investment and promoting sustainable economic growth.
The successful implementation of ITAS will usher in a new era of tax administration in Papua New Guinea.
The IRC urges taxpayers and businesses to embrace the transition, as digital services will simplify compliance and provide greater convenience.
This initiative reflects global trends in tax modernization and positions Papua New Guinea at the forefront of efficient and transparent tax administration.
In addition to ITAS, the IRC has also signed the Goods and Services Monitoring System (GMS) agreement, further strengthening its digital tax administration capabilities.
The GMS will play a critical role in enhancing compliance and boosting revenue collection.
IRC Commissioner General Sam Koim expressed his gratitude to all competitive bidders for their dedication and professionalism throughout the transparent tender process.
He also acknowledged the Marape Government for its commitment to modernizing tax administration by approving and funding this critical technology initiative.
Koim said this investment aligns with the IRC’s broader digital transformation strategy, which aims to establish a robust, modern, and efficient tax administration system.