Honiara, Solomon Islands – The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) recently participated in a crucial meeting where officials discussed the Tax Administration Act 2022.

The meeting provided an opportunity for key stakeholders to engage in dialogue concerning tax administration and dispute resolution processes.

Representing the private sector in the meeting were SICCI’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. James Dolarii, Advocacy Officer Mr. Filliam Iro’ofa and few members of the private sector.

SICCI raised key challenges faced by the private sector operators and tax agents pertaining to the Part 5 of the Act, which covers tax decisions and ways to enhance tax dispute processes.

SICCI highlighted that, tax officers’ capacity is critical to enable a smooth implementation and providing of tax services to agents and business houses. It is important to have the necessary knowledge of the appeal process and the specific rules and regulation under the Tax Administration Act 2022. SICCI also raised issues with systems and raised that having the system aligned with convenient will be supportive to private sector operations.

Key aspect of the discussion revolved around circumstances under which taxpayers may file objections and appeals against tax claims or charges they find unsatisfactory.

Participants also sought information on taxpayer experiences with the IRD, particularly in relation to filing tax objections.

The meeting further identified areas where IRD officers could improve their handling of tax objections and the appeal process to ensure a more transparent and efficient system.

SICCI acknowledge the feedback from IRD that plans and programs are underway in aligning of systems and capacity development initiatives are currently rolled out. SICCI and IRD will convene another roundtable discussion in the coming months on this topic.