A WHISTLEBLOWER will be rewarded $250,000 after giving information which led to the successful recovery of about $8 million in taxes and penalties from a company in the Western Division.
The payment, which was approved by the Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority (FRCA) board, is the highest reward so far for any whistleblower.
FRCA chief executive officer Visvanath Das, in a statement yesterday, said this reflected the authority’s commitment to clamping down tax evaders.
According to Mr Das, the case involved a company engaged in the motor vehicle industry, which was manipulating its sales record and under declaring for VAT and income taxation.
The information provided by the whistleblower then led to FRCA carrying out a detailed investigation with the sales reported in the company’s tax returns and bank account, which noted major discrepancies.
“The audit also revealed that the director of this company has other businesses and investment properties which were all under reported,” Mr Das said.
“Through FRCA’s integrated audit approach, the taxpayers overall tax obligation came under the spotlight.”
Mr Das also raised the need for people to understand the importance of tax compliance and the civic duty of paying taxes.
“Whilst we have imposed severe penalties and fines for tax offenders, FRCA is committed to implement processes for ease of doing business in Fiji, however, this comes with much trust and honesty on the part of businesses to be voluntarily compliant,” he said.
“FRCA is here to administer the tax and Customs laws and it is our duty to ensure fairness and consistency in application of the law thus creating a level playing field for all taxpayers. Non-compliant taxpayers will face the full brunt of the law.”
If you have evidence of a business or taxpayer committing tax or Customs fraud, or any unprofessional conduct by FRCA officers, report to the FRCA whistleblower line 3243222 or email ceo@frca.org.fj.
and potentially receive a monetary reward as a whistleblower.”
