Africa-Press – Gambia. In a quest to enhance efficiency, Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) has introduced a new Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS) aimed at reducing fraud and corruption.
Speaking during a training for lawyers and accountants on Wednesday, held at Bakadagi Hotel, The Commissioner General of GRA Yankuba Darboe asserted that the new system will enhance domestic revenue mobilization for the continued development of the nation.
According to him, GRA has been on a journey of transformation to modernize tax processes, enhance efficiency and to foster a culture of voluntary tax compliance.
Commissioner Darboe acknowledges that this is a clear indication of the crucial role played in the economic and fiscal landscape of Gambia adding that the workshop is a significant step towards enhancing the collective understanding of the transformative changes that the system will bring to their tax administration processes.
He stated that the practice of law, particularly in taxation required an acute awareness of not only the existing legal frameworks but also the instruments and technologies that underpin them.
“The introduction of this Integrated Tax Administration System will represent a fundamental shift in how tax administration operates, and it is imperative that we, both the tax administrators and tax agents, are fully equipped to navigate this new environment,” he noted.
The GRA boss is optimistic that the system is expected to streamline tax processes, improve compliance, and foster greater transparency in tax administration and tax compliance.
Meanwhile, he says, it will enable e-registration, e-filing, e-payment and e-refund. “However, with such advancements come new challenges, responsibilities it is essential for us as tax administrators and tax agents to understand the implications of these changes, not only for our clients, the taxpayers, but for the overarching legal and economic environment in which we operate,” he added.
“As legal practitioners, you are among our most critical partners in this endeavour. You are the trusted advisors to businesses and individuals, the interpreters of our laws, and the champions of due process,” Darboe said to the participants.
Essa Jallow, Deputy Commissioner General reiterates that tax administration plays a crucial role in the mobilization of domestic revenues necessary for national development.
He stressed that many tax administrations were facing increasing tax administration costs whilst taxpayers were also facing high compliance costs.
“To address these challenges, the implementation of an ITAS becomes necessary,” he suggested.
He indicates that the reforms will not only benefit GRA but also empower citizens to understand their tax obligations and ensuring that the tax system is fair equitable and accessible.
“The ITAS represents a comprehensive approach to tax administration that integrates all aspects of tax collection and management, including registration, filing, payment reporting, management information system,” he pointed out.
Samba Sallah, Project Manager Integrated Tax System says ITAS is funded by World Bank through the Ministry of Finance as part of the public administration project.
For More News And Analysis About Gambia Follow Africa-Press
