New forms of taxes necessary to finance State: Jihad

Minister of Finance and Treasury Abdullah Jihad has said that more income through the introduction of new forms of taxes is necessary to finance the State.

Jihad made this statement while speaking at the ceremony held at Dharubaaruge last night on the occasion of Maldives Inland Revenue Authority’s (MIRA) second anniversary.

“Increased income is necessary to finance the State. I have confidence that MIRA would successfully implement new forms of taxes when they are introduced,” he said.

He praised MIRA for its achievements over a short period of time, and said it must work towards maintaining the public confidence it had gained for itself.

He advised the employees of MIRA to refrain from being influenced by politics, and to cooperate with other government institutions.

Jihad assured that the challenges faced by MIRA in terms of space will be overcome soon, through the provision of a new building for its offices.

The Commissioner General of Taxation Yazeed Mohamed also commended MIRA for having been impartial and fair over the past two years.

He also noted that MIRA had been successful in earning more income for the State through taxation than estimated, in spite of the many challenges.

“We are making efforts to reduce State expenditure. For this purpose, we have plans to open two offices in North and South Maldives within this year. And in those areas where we can’t have an office, we plan to work through the Councils,” Yazeed said.

Yazeed also said that efforts are underway to connect taxpayers all over Maldives through the introduction of ‘Inland Revenue Management System’ software.

This would also allow taxpayers to file and pay tax online.

MIRA’s Financial Report for 2011 was presented by Minister Jihad at last night’s ceremony.

Also, certificates were handed out to participants of a course conducted to provide tax information to employees of MIRA.

MIRA’s Board of Directors cut a cake at this ceremony held on the occasion of its anniversary.

MIRA was established as a separate and independent legal entity on 2 August 2010 to enforce the Taxation Acts and implement taxation policies.