July 15, 2024 3 min read Share:

FRCS at the Real Estate Agents Licensing Board Talanoa Sessions

FRCS was pleased to be invited by the Real Estate Agents Licensing Board (REALB) to its Talanoa sessions in Suva and Nadi.
Our Senior Manager, Taxpayer Education Mr. Vilimone Nailotei, informed the members of the REALB of their obligations and requirements under the tax laws.
Mr. Nailotei provided a comprehensive presentation to the real estate agents on business registration and tax obligations whereby he explained in detail the online registration process for the Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and applicable taxes, declaration of income, payment of taxes and record keeping.
A real estate agent who collects commercial or residential property rent for its client is required to submit an annual report that provides information of all rental income received by the real estate agent on behalf of its clients by 28th of February of every year. The rental annual report can be submitted on our Taxpayer Online Service (TPOS) with the following required information:
 TIN of Landlord (clients)
 Type of Property (either Commercial or Residential)
 Address of the Rental property
 Gross Rent (total annual rent)
 Net Rent (total rent after deduction e.g. real estate commission).
Further information on this can be accessed through our user guide – https://www.frcs.org.fj/…/FRCS_Rental-Annual-Report….
Mr. Nailotei also informed the attendees of the due dates for filing and payment of taxes and the importance of keeping their business records.
The talanoa sessions were very interactive where our team responded to all queries the real estate agents had on their required obligations.
July 12, 2024 2 min read Share:

Retirement celebration of K9 Beau

Officials from the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS), the Fiji Police Force, the Pacific Detector Dog Program (PDDP) and the Australian Border Force (ABF) thanked K9 Beau for his service on his retirement from the Fiji Detector Dog Unit (FDDU).
 
They had organised a retirement dinner including cake and lovo to say goodbye to the 9-year-old Labrador.
 
K9 Beau had been with FDDU for the past seven years serving our community with pride and distinction. The Labrador has been described as an excellent performer and was involved in several major border and post-border detections. K9 Beau and Sergeant Timoci Belo graduated from Trentham’s Dog Training Centre facility in Wellington, New Zealand in 2017. He was transferred to Nadi in 2022 and was handled by Police Constable Neumi Waqanokonoko until his retirement.
 
Beau will now retire to be a full-time dog with Sergeant Belo.
We wish Beau a healthy and relaxing retirement and thank him for his services to Fiji.

July 2, 2024 3 min read Share:

FRCS Assists Thousands of MSMEs to Comply with their Tax Obligations

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) is pleased to share that we have trained almost 3000 representatives from a diverse group of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) on tax and customs processes and financial literacy to assist them with ease of doing business and improve voluntary compliance.
FRCS is also excited to reveal that 75% of those trained have complied and lodged their tax returns with FRCS.
 
FRCS Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Udit Singh stated that MSMEs played a significant role in Fiji’s economy by contributing towards creating jobs, income generation and poverty alleviation.
 
“Recognising the immense contribution made by the MSMEs towards Fiji’s economic growth and development, FRCS has embarked on a dedicated financial literacy and tax education training program to assist MSMEs to become tax compliant,” Mr Singh said.
 
“The provision of tax training to MSMEs is critical as we realise that a lack of understanding of the tax system can contribute to non-compliance. Training can help MSMEs understand the importance of paying taxes, risks of not paying taxes and how to calculate taxes etc.”
 
There are approximately 116,800 MSMEs registered with FRCS, contributing almost FJD 59 million in taxes annually. FRCS has a dedicated Support Centre for MSMEs to assist them with their tax obligations through free advisory services, mentoring, training and support. According to Mr Singh, it is important to recognise that while the MSMEs may be running their businesses on a small scale now, they hold immense potential as our future taxpayers.
 
“As they embark on their entrepreneurial journey, FRCS will provide MSMEs with the necessary guidance and support to ensure their success,” Mr Singh said.
FRCS also plans to introduce training on bookkeeping as it has been seen that another determinant of tax compliance is the absence of financial reports. MSMEs either do not keep records or books of their business results or the financial reports are mixed with personal finances. Incorrect financial records lead to inaccuracies in tax calculation and payment.
 
Mr. Singh encouraged more MSMEs to take advantage of the free services and assistance provided by the FRCS. He also commended all the entrepreneurs and industrious individuals who are the backbone of the MSMEs and are making significant contributions to the Fijian economy.
June 25, 2024 2 min read Share:

FRCS Conducts Awareness at Adi Cakobau School

Our team was pleased to see the interest shown by the year 12 and 13 students in tax and customs issues during their recent visit to the Commerce Week held by the Adi Cakobau School.

The Taxpayer Education team conducted awareness on a number of pertinent issues including the processes on the Taxpayer Online Service (TPOS). They also provided a live demonstration on how to sign up for TPOS, apply for a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and Joint Card, and access different tax services on the online portal.

They also showed the students how to reset the password on TPOS. The students were reminded of the importance of entering valid and accurate information particularly during the TIN registration and updating their information on the portal. The team answered all questions related to tax and customs.

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.

June 24, 2024 2 min read Share:

Regional Workshop On Navigating Complex Tax Technical Audit Issues

FRCS senior executives are attending a week-long Regional Workshop on Navigating Complex Tax Technical Audit Issues which is organised by the Pacific Islands Tax Administrators Association (PITAA) and Pacific Financial Technical Assistance Centre (PFTAC) at the Holiday Inn in Suva.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance and Strategic Planning, National Development, and Statistics, Hon. Prof. Biman Prasad officiated the Workshop. Our CEO Mr. Udit Singh also attended the opening session.

The Workshop serves as a platform for tax administration representatives from PITAA and PFTAC member countries to come together, discuss challenges, share insights, and best practices and receive training on complex and technical tax issues.

It also aims to foster an environment of mutual learning, where contemporary approaches and solutions to complex tax matters can be explored collectively and encourage collaboration among member countries in helping each other to address tax compliance issues. Overall, the Workshop provides an exciting opportunity for professionals to engage, learn and collaborate effectively for the advancement of revenue administration in the Pacific region.

The Workshop ends on this Friday.

June 17, 2024 3 min read Share:

TCU Operational and Strategic Planning Day

The Transnational Crime Unit (TCU) met at the FRCS Headquarters in Nasese for the operational and strategic planning to further strengthen their collaborative efforts in safeguarding the integrity and security of Fijian borders and community.

While addressing the Unit, FRCS CEO, Mr. Udit Singh stated that the partnership between FRCS and TCU is a critical one, united by a shared vision and commitment to protect Fiji from the threats posed by transnational crime.

“Our shared vision is clear- to create a safe and secure environment for all Fijians, fostering economic growth and stability through effective law enforcement and border protection. This includes preventing the illegal entry of goods, contraband, and individuals who pose a threat to our nation,” Mr. Singh said.

“Another fundamental responsibility for FRCS is protecting our nation’s revenue. We must work together to prevent smuggling and other illicit activities that undermine our economy and deprive the government of crucial funds needed for development and public services.”

According to Mr. Singh, this vision requires TCU to be vigilant, innovative, and firm in their efforts to combat the illicit activities that threaten Fijian borders and undermine the economy.

Director of Narcotics of the Fiji Police Force Mr. Fiso Nasario highlighted that strategy was a very important tool to achieve goals and it was imperative that TCU develops effective strategies to protect the Fijian border.

FRCS Director Border and Customs, Ms. Shelini Kumar shared the positive strategies currently undertaken by the Customs Division to further enhance capabilities on border protection.

June 11, 2024 2 min read Share:

Educating the Fiji Indigenous Business Council on the Company Director Role

We were pleased to be invited by the Fiji Indigenous Business Council to participate in a panel discussion on the Company Director Role during their workshop in Lami.

With the theme “Regroup, Rethink, Refocus: Creating Our Future in Business”, the two-day brought together entrepreneurs, relevant stakeholders, government officials and distinguished participants from various sectors.

FRCS Senior Manager, Taxpayer Education, Mr. Vilimone Nailotei, provided an overview of corporate governance, company director role and tax updates. Mr. Nailotei also highlighted the director’s duties under the Companies Act 2015 and Tax Administration Act 2009, Taxpayer Online Service (TPOS) processes and incentives and concessions available.

June 10, 2024 2 min read Share:

Compliance Team Graduates from Basic Prosecution Course (Regulators) 2024

Congratulations to our team members from the Compliance Division for graduating from the Basic Prosecution Course (Regulators) 2024 which will assist in further strengthening compliance through prosecution of tax and customs fraud and evasion.

The 4-week course, conducted by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP in Fiji, included preparation of prosecution documents, various types of submissions, case studies and courtroom observation.

The course has equipped our team with an understanding of how to prepare prosecution cases. The team also looks forward to the advance course which will be held later this year.