ADMINISTRATIVE simplicity is one of the key principles of a good taxation system.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad said this while addressing questions about Fiji Revenue and Customs Services’ (FRCS) approach to identifying and registering businesses under the Business Management System (BMS).
Mr Prasad said the details would be handled by FRCS but emphasised two main points: avoiding burdening businesses and ensuring the BMS rollout was efficient and clear.
“We don’t want to burden the businesses. The BMS rollout has to be efficient, has to be very clear, and should be done in a way that the businesses feel happy about doing it,” the DPM said.
He acknowledged that most businesses in Fiji complied honestly and contributed to the economy.
“I know the majority of our businesses in this country do an honest day’s job. They pay their taxes. They contribute to the economy.”
Mr Prasad said compliance should not necessarily be associated with punitive measures, but rather with responsibility and flexibility.
“Compliance, from my point of view, and that’s an important principle of any good tax system, must be responsible. It must be flexible.”
He expects FRCS to develop a clear strategy and transition plan to work collaboratively with businesses on registration and compliance.
“I would say that no one should have any concerns about the implementation of some of these new compliance measures.”
The BMS is part of the 2024–2025 National Budget’s tax reform measures aimed at improving revenue collection and simplifying tax administration.
Note: This article was first published on the print version of the Fiji Times dated July 1, 2025
