BRICS heads of tax authorities discuss challenges amid Covid, digital era

The Heads of Tax Authorities of the BRICS countries discussed the challenges faced by BRICS tax administrations in the digital era, coupled with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic during a virtual meeting.

New Delhi: The Heads of Tax Authorities of the BRICS countries discussed the challenges faced by BRICS tax administrations in the digital era, coupled with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic during a virtual meeting on Wednesday. The heads included namely the Federative Republic of Brazil, the Russian Federation, the Republic of India, the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of South Africa. Tarun Bajaj, Revenue Secretary presided over this meeting, as per a press release.

The broad theme of the meeting was redefining the business processes of tax administration amidst challenges posed by COVID-19 and in the digital era. During the meeting, the tax authorities also exchanged opinions and views based on the existing commitment to the principles of mutual respect, consolidation and continuity as stated in the XIII BRICS Summit, New Delhi Declaration issued on September 9, 2021.

During the prior meetings of tax experts of BRICS countries, there was discussion on digitisation of tax administration, leveraging technology for tackling tax evasion, changing role of tax administration from enforcement to service, preparedness and strategies to deal with challenges of COVID-19 and evolution of tax administration to enhance voluntary compliance by taxpayers. The meetings were held on September 13 and 14.