FRCS Holds Tax Day

This morning, FRCS hosted the Tax Day celebrations under the theme “The Evolution of Tax and its Role in Building a Prosperous Society.” This marks the second Tax Day observed by FRCS in the past 12 years, commemorating the history of taxation in Fiji and honoring all those who have contributed to its development.

During the event, FRCS CEO, Mr. Udit Singh, shared insights into Fiji’s taxation history. According to records in Ronald Derrick’s book ‘A History of Fiji’ (1950), the earliest recorded tax in Fiji was imposed by individual chiefs during the establishment of the General Assembly in Levuka in 1865.

Mr. Singh highlighted significant milestones in Fiji’s tax legislation, noting that the first tax law was the Income Tax Ordinance 1920, followed by the Income Tax Act 1974. A pivotal moment occurred from 1988 to 1992 with the implementation of the Value Added Tax (VAT) on July 1, 1992.

In 2003, there was a transition from the Tax Information System (TIS) to the Fiji Integrated Tax System (FITS). Furthermore, on April 5, 2023, FRCS announced the successful completion of its latest digital system, the Taxpayer Online Service (TPOS).

In addition to the informative sessions, the celebration featured various activities catering to all age groups, including coloring, poster, and essay competitions. It is important that our children know the critical role taxes play from a young age. It is our intention to mark Tax Day annually with a wider audience and activities.

FRCS conducts Tax and Customs awareness for Students

Our Education Team successfully wrapped up a series of education and awareness programs on tax and customs for students at the Careers Expos held at the Nasinu Muslim College in Suva and the Fiji Girmit Centre in Lautoka.
 
With the view that tax and customs literacy for students is an investment in the future, our team informed the students on the vital role of FRCS, importance of taxation and customs in accelerating the economic development, protecting our borders and its benefits to all Fijians.
 
Understanding taxes enhances compliance, however despite its importance, there remains a gap in tax education which leaves many students unprepared for the real-world implications of tax laws and policies.
 
FRCS has been increasingly enhancing tax and customs education and awareness for students and youths in an effort to lay groundwork for informed and compliant citizens. For more information and assistance, please contact us on 3243000 or 1326 or info@frcs.org.fj.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) met with our Customs team

Recently, a team from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) including the Regional Director Ms. Irene Serry and Ms. Shannon Needle met with our Customs team.
The visit of the CBSA to Fiji marked a significant milestone in our pursuit of strategic partnerships and information exchange. During their meeting, fruitful discussions were held with our Customs team, laying the groundwork for a potential collaboration aimed at bolstering intelligence sharing efforts.
 
The prospect of forging ties with Canada holds immense promise towards diversifying our network of allies and strengthening bilateral relations. With Canada poised to become a key partner in intelligence sharing, this development assumes heightened importance, particularly considering the growing volume of direct flights from Vancouver and the seasonal influx of yachts during the yachting season.
 
This partnership will enhance our collective capacity to address emerging security challenges and safeguard our shared interests. As we prepare to embark on this journey of collaboration, the potential benefits extend far beyond intelligence sharing alone, offering a platform for cultural exchange, economic cooperation, and shared progress. In bridging the gap between tradition and modernity, Fiji and Canada are now setting the stage for a new chapter in bilateral relations, one defined by synergy, partnership, and mutual respect.

FRCS met with the Sangam College of Nursing and Health Care Education’s Acting Head of School

FRCS met with the Sangam College of Nursing and Health Care Education’s Acting Head of School, Ms. Mereseini Kamunaga to discuss strategies to further enhance tax education and promote voluntary compliance through collaboration and partnership with the College.



It is imperative to equip students with essential knowledge about taxes prior to their entry into the workforce as this will not only enrich their understanding but also encourage a culture of voluntary compliance.



FRCS has been holding meetings with universities and other tertiary institutions in Fiji including the Ministry of Education FIJI to establish a more informed and educated platform for our youths on tax and customs.

Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs Regional Director Pacific, Mr. Andrew Rice paid a courtesy visit to our CEO Mr. Udit Singh

Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs Regional Director Pacific, Mr. Andrew Rice paid a courtesy visit to our CEO Mr. Udit Singh. During the meeting, Mr. Rice discussed his role, the assistance provided by the Australian Border Force (ABF) to FRCS and the future activities of the Oceania Customs Organisation. FRCS appreciates the Australian Government and ABF’s assistance and ongoing support to the Service.

FRCS Recruits Final Batch of Additional Staff  

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) is recruiting the final batch of 35 out of  106 additional staff that was announced by FRCS last year as part of Fit for Purpose initiative.

Vacancies advertised under the Fit for Purpose initiative are limited to the internal staff and employees who had exited FRCS in 2020 and 2021 due to redundancy and non-renewal of contracts. However, if these positions remain unfilled, FRCS will seek to recruit for these roles externally.

The final batch of recruitment includes 35 positions from various Divisions in FRCS including Taxation, Border, Corporate, Internal Assurance and Intelligence, Compliance, and Investigations (ICI).

The increased staff will enhance the efficiency of FRCS’s services. As part of the restructuring in 2020 and 2021, FRCS reduced its workforce from approximately 870 employees to 570. Many of these employees have been re-recruited during the first and second Fit for Purpose vacancies.

Advertisements for the final batch of recruitment close on Friday, 31 May 2024. Interested individuals can contact our People, Capability and Culture (PCC) team for further information and assistance or visit our website on this LINK.

FRCS presents at the USP Entrepreneurial Fair 2024

FRCS was invited to present on the theme “Innovate to Elevate: A Symphony of Entrepreneurial Brilliance” The University of the South Pacific (USP) Entrepreneurial Fair 2024.
FRCS Senior Education Specialist Mr. Esala Vukinavanua spoke on the Tax Regulatory Requirements for Businesses.
Mr. Vukinavanua provided insights into the tax registration processes, taxpayer obligations as well as initiatives undertaken by FRCS. Additionally, he also provided advice to young people intending to launch, fund, sustain and grow a small and medium sized business.
The session was very interactive with questions asked by the participants on the Taxpayer Online Service (TPOS), Value Added Tax (VAT), filing of tax, penalties and business registration.
The USP Entrepreneurial Fair is a yearly event organised to improve the mindset, build skills and introduce participants into entrepreneurship and owning your own business. It helps public and private stakeholders to share insights, lessons and next steps when it comes to launching and sustaining a business.