NEW tax requirements will cover children and minors.
The Fiji Islands Revenue and Customs Authority has clarified that anyone opening a bank account ù including children ù must register for a tax identification number.
FIRCA chief executive Jitoko Tikolevu said the new requirements would apply to persons seeking business registration at the Registrar of Companies, or wishing to obtain driver's licences or vehicle registration at the Land Transport Authority.
Minors or children wishing to open bank accounts would need to fill a TIN registration form and provide details such as certified passport sized photos as well as birth certificates.
These forms would have to be handed to FIRCA's customer enquiry centres in Suva, Lautoka and Labasa.
Adults would need to provide their forms with a valid identification card such as drivers' license, FNPF card, certified photo page of passport and birth certificate.
Mr Tikolevu said from August 15, when this requirement becomes compulsory all services at the LTA such as first registration of vehicles, renewal of registration, transfer of motor vehicles will need TINs.
The policy also covers obtaining learner's permit, provisional licence, full licence or the issuance or renewal of licences.
All existing bank account holders are also required provide their TIN to banks by December 31.
"Persons affected need to obtain TIN from FIRCA. If they already have a TIN then they must produce the official TIN letter to banks, LTA or Registrar of Companies as the case maybe," Mr Tikolevu said.
"Persons who have misplaced their TIN registration letters need to obtain a copy from FIRCA. As a means to simplify administration, FIRCA will post active taxpayer's TIN registration letters over the next few weeks.
"This will minimise the need for existing taxpayers to physically visit FIRCA.
"Persons who do not obtain TIN will be denied from opening of bank accounts, registration at LTA and Registrar of Companies office," Mr Tikolevu said.