Photo: PM Marape launches the new online tax payment platform, MyIRC, with Commissioner-General Koim and managers of IRC
Despite a hard economic climate brought on by COVID-19, the Marape Government's commitment in reinvigorating the Internal Revenue Commission (IRC) is paying off with a revenue collection of a record K8.1 billion in the year 2021.
During Prime Minister Hon. David Cameron's tenure as Prime Minister, this became obvious. The following is the speech given by James Marape at the unveiling of the IRC's new online tax payment system, MyIRC Online Service Platform.
This year is only the third time in the last decade that Government revenue collection has surpassed K8 billion; the first was in 2014, during the first year of PNGLNG production, and the second was in 2018, both of which were comparatively good economic years for PNG, according to the Prime Minister.
Prime Minister Marape went on to say that IRC and Customs' determination and desire to accomplish their joint objective despite the Covid-affected economy demonstrates his government's focus on investing resources and providing assistance for tax collectors, which has resulted in a strong revenue return.
The government has shown its continued support for IRC by allocating K35 million in the 2022 budget to the Integrated Tax Management system, as well as additional K11 million for goods and service tax administration.
The new online tax payment method is anticipated to enhance the functioning of the IRC.
The Prime Minister said he was “totally proud” of this “milestone” performance by the tax collectors, who have worked “exceptionally well”, and even above what Treasury had anticipated by K200 million in spite of the terrible period the country is presently undergoing.
“We pledged to assist IRC and Customs to the best of our ability, and this is the highest IRC and Customs have received from the Budget to ensure you build up your capacity, ramp up efficiency, and get going,” said the Prime Minister.
“I am not someone who lies when I make policy pronouncements; I live up to all my policy pronouncements like I did with the SME funding commitments, the commodity price support and others.”
Prime Minister Marape said he was pleased to see the IRC and Customs departments move into the e-service area since this is the way he wants government services to go. This aims to reduce human involvement and manipulation of these vital fee and tax collecting systems.
“By the time the country turns 50 years in 2025, all transactions at IRC and Customs should be done digitally,” said the Prime Minister.
“As part of the support to these two government agencies, 500 allotments under the National Housing Corporation will be given out to government employees, including those of IRC and Customs as more incentive to work better for our country.”
Reference: PM James Marape News Page (20 December 2021). “Tax collection hits record K8.1 billion in 2021”.
