ENewsletter August 2011
In this issue
- Tanzanian Delegation - Study Tour
- ATAF Technical Event
- SMEDA - Basic Taxation
- Tax Information Exchange Agreement
- MRA Integrity Advisory Commitee
- Beach Soccer
Tanzanian Delegation - Study Tour
A delegation comprising of four persons from the Tanzania Revenue Authority made a study tour from 8th to 12 August 2011 at the Mauritius Revenue Authority. The Government of Tanzania has recently made a decision that led to the amendment of the VAT Act that will allow non-citizen passengers leaving the country through designated Airports to claim for VAT refund on accompanied unused items bought in Tanzania “VAT paid”. In their examination they found that the Mauritius Revenue Authority has been implementing this kind of arrangement for some time. Thus the Tanzania Revenue Authority learned from our success and assessed our experience in setting up of the scheme for its practical application.
ATAF Techical Event
The Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) hosted a workshop in collaboration with the African Tax Administration Forum(ATAF)), the Economic Cooperation and Development ( OECD) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) at Le Méridien Hotel, Balaclava from 29 August to 02 September 2011 . The theme of this year was “Organisation and Management of a Tax Administration’. The Chairman of MRA, Mr Vasdev Hassamal was the Chief Guest during the opening ceremony of the workshop on Monday 29 August 2011.
The aim of the workshop was to provide a broad overview of principles and practices of organisation and management of Tax admistration.22 participants, comprising of Section Heads, Team Leaders and Technical Officers from the MRA interacted with some 20 participants from member countries of ATAF, namely Egypt, South Africa, Senegal, Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Gabon, Malawi, Nigeria, Sudan and Zimbabwe. The Workshop was conducted by resource persons from The Netherlands, Sweden, Australia and South Africa.
SMEDA - Basic taxation
The SMEDA in collaboration with the Mauritius Revenue Authority organized an Educational session on Basic Taxation for SMEs on Friday 19 August 2011 at the seat of the SMEDA. The session was dispensed by Mr J. Kelly, Team Leader and Mr N.Tacouri, both from the Medium and Small Taxpayer Department. The session was an interactive one and the participants were very enthusiastic to learn the taxation principles as most of them had just started business.
Tax Information Exchange Agreement
Negotiations for the conclusion of a Tax Information Exchange Agreement (TIEA) between The Republic of Mauritius and The States of Guernsey were held in Port Louis, Mauritius from the 8 to 12 August 2011.The Mauritius delegation was led by Mr. Mustupha MOSAFEER, Director, Large Taxpayers Department and International Taxation Unit, Mauritius Revenue Authority and the Guernsey delegation comprised of Mr. Robert Gray, Director Income Tax and Mr. Nigel Garland, Compliance and International Manager. The negotiations were held in an atmosphere of mutual understanding and cooperation. At the close of the negotiations, there was full agreement on all the provisions of a draft text which will be signed by both States in due course. Both delegations acknowledge the importance of the Agreement and have agreed to expedite the completion of formalities in their respective jurisdictions for the early coming into force of the Agreement
MRA Integrity Advisory Committee
Following the Self-Assessment Integrity Workshop organised by MRA from 6 to 9 September 2010, the MRA came up with an Integrity Action Plan. One of the main recommendations in the Plan was to establish an Integrity Advisory Committee composed of members from the MRA and its stakeholders. The first meeting of the Committee was held on Friday 12 August 2011 in the Board Room of MRA. Director General made a presentation on the vision, mission and core values of the MRA whereas Mrs Dindoyal made a presentation on complaints handling, investigation of allegations of malpractice, and processing and verification of declarations of assets. She also gave an overview of the mandate and powers of Internal Affairs Division, and strategies adopted by MRA to promote integrity development. The stakeholders, on the other hand, were invited to express their views and comments.
Beach Soccer
With a view to promote welfare of our staff, the MRA has been affiliated with the Fédération Mauricienne des Sports Corporatifs (FMSC). The FMSC is a registered association under the aegis of the Ministry of Youth & Sports, responsible to organise competitive sports and recreational activities for coporate/statutory bodies. A Beach Soccer Festival was organised by the federation on 27 August 2011 at the Mon Choisy Public Beach. 10 MRA staff participated in the event.
