The Commissioner General of IRC, Sam Koim, started his recent address at the PNG National Press Club event organized by the Media Council of Papua New Guinea. Koim has called on the media to change the way they discuss and portray the use of public funds. While Koim’s call was directed to the media, nothing is further from the truth with the real culprits being the elected members of parliament who are famously known for large billboards and banners branding their names and face as being the ones paying for such services.

 

Funded by Taxpayers, Not by Politicians: PNG's Tax Chief Urges Media to Highlight the Real Source

by Exepreneur, 25 May 2023.

"In this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes" as Benjamin Franklin once stated

As certain as it is, tax, is one topic that certainly intimidates many, even the most learned.

And that is how the Commissioner General of IRC, Sam Koim, started his recent address at the PNG National Press Club event organized by the Media Council of Papua New Guinea.

Koim has called on the media to change the way they discuss and portray the use of public funds.

While Koim's call was directed to the media, nothing is further from the truth with the real culprits being the elected members of parliament who are famously known for large billboards and banners branding their names and face as being the ones paying for such services.

Busses, classrooms, hospitals, and events are all known to be branded under the politicians who then use the taxpayer's money to bring those very services to the taxpayers who break their backs to pay the taxes.

Koim says "Currently, discussions about public spending often overlook the fact that these expenses are financed by taxpayers' money"

The Tax Chief strongly emphasized the need for more awareness for the general public to know their tax financing vital public services, infrastructure projects, and the salaries of public servants - and doing in a way that promotes transparency and accountability and that the taxpayers understand and appreciate the value of taxes they pay.

He also highlighted the difficulties faced by IRC, particularly with tax evasion, uncontrolled tax incentives, inefficiency, and low productivity but at the same time revealed the comprehensive plan of action, including the implementation of advanced monitoring systems, simplified tax laws, digital transformation, and strong anti-corruption measures.

IRC's vision according to Koim is to establish a modern and efficient tax administration and he is optimistic about the progress made and emphasized the importance of improving tax collection mechanisms.

It helps to note that PNG netted K9.7 billion in tax revenue in 2022 with Prime Minister James Marape saying "This is a record achievement in a fiscal year, where IRC was able to surpass its annual target in the space of only eight months"

Koim also mentioned the possibility of proposing tax rate reductions in Salaries Wages Taxes, and Corporate Income Tax provided that compliance improves, and revenue impacts are positive.

He however admitted that the quality of taxpayer-funded expenditures remains a significant challenge.

While IRC is not responsible for spending the funds, he emphasized the importance of taxpayers seeing the value of their taxes.

He urged for prudent spending and stated that "every kina saved is a kina earned."

Image: Commissioner General of IRC, Sam Koi/ICR