There is to be a shake-up of the island's tax administration services, effective tomorrow, that will see 19 senior officers and consultants in the Ministry of Finance and its affiliated tax agencies redeployed.

A reform of the Customs Department is to occur simultaneously.

The move is the first of its kind and follows closely recent reports of impropriety at the island's Customs Department.

The Sunday Gleaner has learned that, come tomorrow, former commissioner of the Inland Revenue Department, Viralee Latibeaudiere, will take the position of commissioner general-designate as the ministry effects the Domestic Tax Administration Project.

The project will consolidate the services of the Inland Revenue, Tax Audit and Assessment and Tax Administration departments.

Latibeaudiere is to be supported by three deputy commissioners general, whose names have not yet been learnt.

The Revenue Protection Department, headed by new principal director, Major Johanna Lewin, is also being strengthened as part of the reform, while Pamella Folkes has been appointed chief technical director in the Financial Investigation Division.

have to declare assets

Under law, the senior officers will now have to declare their assets to the Corruption Prevention Commission.

As part of the reform, a larger tax office will also be established in Kingston to facilitate businesses with greater tax liabilities.

The changes being made by the Ministry of Finance form part of the tax administration reform approved by Cabinet to tighten the island's tax services.

It will concentrate on three main areas: promoting voluntary compliance; improving audit and collection enforcement; and, simplifying customs procedures.

The new regime is expected to achieve increased revenue through significant improvements in the efficiency and effectiveness of the organisation of domestic tax; contribute directly to macroeconomic stability, stimulate greater voluntary compliance; and, collect more revenues due to the State. It is also expected to reduce dependence on borrowing by making additional financial resources available to finance budgetary needs, and reduce tax rates by widening the tax base.

As part of the reform, a larger tax office will also be established in Kingston to facilitate businesses with greater tax liabilities.