The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) recorded $91.9 million in VAT refunds at the end of January 2022.
FRCS CEO Mark Dixon attributed the positive performance to improved strategies and a strong commitment by FRCS to honor its obligation to taxpayers.
“It is important that refunds are released by FRCS on time, just as FRCS seeks tax payments to be made on time. Given the impacts of COVID-19 and the recent floods, the release of VAT refunds can greatly assist in business cash flows,” Mr. Dixon stated.
“FRCS is holding a significant number of VAT refunds, which we would like to return to taxpayers but cannot release until they file their outstanding tax returns,” he said.
“As a proactive approach, FRCS will be publishing a list of Taxpayer Identification Numbers [TIN] of those taxpayers who qualify for VAT refunds but are yet to file the returns. These refunds will be released to taxpayers as soon as they meet their filing requirements”.
“We encourage taxpayers to come forward and update their records with FRCS or to seek our help to access the Taxpayer Online Services [TPOS] and file their returns accordingly.”
Mr. Dixon further added that FRCS is focused on the sustainable reduction of outstanding VAT refunds; returning this money to taxpayers and is optimistic of much reduced figure in the coming months.
He encouraged taxpayers seeking clarification or needing further assistance to call us on 3243000 or 1326 or email us at info@frcs.org.fj.
FRCS MEDIA CONTACT
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 Email: publicrelations@frcs.org.fj.
 Phone: (679) 3243035

Congratulations are in order for five aspiring women leaders from the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) for successfully completing the Container Control Programme – Women’s Professional Development Programme (CCP-WPDP).
Customs Officers Litiana Sautulevu, Losalini Daulali, Viniana Radinialoi, Asinate Rosi Taliga and Principal Customs Officer Akosita Valamalua were awarded with the certificates by the Australian High Commissioner to Fiji Mr. John Feakes and FRCS CEO Mr. Mark Dixon last week at the Australian High Commission in Suva. Ms. Valamalua has also received an Excellence Award for her exemplary contribution to CCP-WPDP.
“It is fantastic to see FRCS working with the Australian Border Force (ABF) and Australian High Commission to deliver first class training opportunities to our future female leaders,” Mr. Mark Dixon stated.
“We are most grateful to the ABF for allowing us to celebrate the achievements of these talented females, from our Customs Division, within the residence of the High Commissioner – what a wonderful experience for our well deserving staff to be awarded their new qualifications by the High Commissioner, followed by an afternoon tea overlooking the port of Suva”.
The CCP-WPDP was held in August 2021 followed by an Alumni Workshop, conducted between 18-26 January 2022. The Alumni Workshop was a part-time, online initiative to provide advanced leadership training for women in customs administration. CCP-WPDP was launched by ABF, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the World Customs Organisation (WCO) and delivered by the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University’s Hanoi–based Transnational Security Centre. 58 participants from 11 countries participated in CCP-WPDP including 5 Officers from FRCS.
Facilitating the legitimate movement of goods across international borders requires a diverse, quality workforce in Customs Administration, however customs continues to be a male- dominated profession. The CCP-WPDP is committed to bridge this gap by further enhancing
capacity, building confidence, promoting collaboration and empowering women officers as they advance in their careers in customs.
At the completion of the program, participants of the CCP-WPDP have tabled a commitment statement on how they will continue to strengthen women’s contribution and leadership in FRCS.
FRCS MEDIA CONTACT
For all media enquires
 Email: publicrelations@frcs.org.fj
 Phone: (679) 3243035.

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) collected a net revenue of $154.0m in January 2022, outperforming the forecast by $9.5m or 6.5percent. The forecast for January 2022 was $144.5m.

This is the second consecutive month where the actual revenue collected by FRCS has surpassed the forecast.  The net revenue collected in December 2021 was $190m compared to the forecast revenue of $130m.

The positive revenue collections against the forecast in December 2021 and January 2022 has led to a cumulative six-month collection (August 2021-January 2022) of $781.5m resulting in a positive variance of $17.4 m or 2.3 percent.

FRCS Chief Executive Officer Mr. Mark Dixon attributed the strong revenue performance to the recommencement of international tourism and its positive spill-over effects, in terms of business confidence, on other sectors of the economy.

“There has been a significant growth in consumption related taxes including Domestic VAT (Value Added Tax), Import VAT, Fiscal Duty and Domestic Excise Duty in January 2022,” Mr. Dixon said.

“Domestic VAT recorded a total collection of $43.9m and is the highest in the past 18 months. This is largely from improved economic activity in December 2021 coupled with the re-opening of the international border and high festivity spending,” he said.

The improved economic activity has also increased demand for imported products thus resulting in high Import VAT and Fiscal duty collections.

Recommencement of international tourism has also seen a substantial increase in the Departure Tax collection. Departure Tax collection in January 2022 was $1.1m compared to the overall collection of $1m in the 2020-2021 fiscal year.

According to Mr. Dixon, given the improved economic conditions, collections are expected to maintain a positive trend.

He said while the last two years have been challenging for the Fijian economy, recent indicators suggest a more positive outlook for 2022. 

 FRCS MEDIA CONTACT

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• Email: publicrelations@frcs.org.fj
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