Taxation Reform Needs Master, Synchronous Plan

Taxation Reform Needs Master, Synchronous Plan

The reform and modernisation of the taxation sector must be comprehensive, said Minister of Finance Nguyen Sinh Hung at a recent conference in Hanoi. The sector is a focus of the administrative reform and the Prime Minister has endorsed the reform programme to 2010 with emphasis on modernisation. It is both a challenge and an opportunity to modernise the taxation sector.

Minister Nguyen Sinh Hung said that there must be a road map for the reform, harmonising the relations between enterprises, population and authorities, central and local. The reform must be comprehensive in organisation and operation, with capable management and high expertise.

According to Mr Nguyen Van Ninh, Head of Taxation Department, Ministry of Finance, the structural reform is the top priority of 9 reform programmes. It will improve the management and ensure transparency and equity with simple and efficient regulations and formalities.

The Taxation Department will jointly draft new laws and amendments, decrees and guidances and develop  management solutions adaptable to e-commerce. The programme also includes public education and supporting service for tax payers. It will improve the transparency and equity, compliance and cooperation of the taxation sector. Accordingly, tax payers can make their own declarations and pay taxes. In 2004, the new method was experimented at the Taxation Department, Quang Ninh and Ho Chi Minh City. It will be expanded with further application of information technology.

The reform will make the taxation sector suitable to Vietnamese conditions and in line with international standards. It will promote foreigners to invest in Vietnam and Vietnamese to invest abroad.

In addition, the reform will upgrade taxation performance, with better facilities and expertise. It will ensure revenue for the industrialisation and modernisation of Vietnam.

• Lan Anh