April 24, 2021 2 min read Share:

FRCS Encourages Taxpayer To Use Online Services

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) is urging taxpayers to use the Taxpayer Online Service to lodge tax return due and make online payments. This call comes amid FRCS’s response to the imminent threat posed by the evolving COVID-19 pandemic and the national health restrictions pertaining to the pandemic placed by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services. 

Month-end is usually the busiest period for FRCS as hundreds people visit FRCS Offices to lodge tax returns and make due payments. However, FRCS encourages taxpayers to conduct their business online through our digital platforms available. 

Taxpayers can lodge their Company Income Tax (CIT) and Personal Income Tax (PIT) returns which are due at the end of this month electronically through email lodgement@frcs.org.fj. FRCS will acknowledge receipt through email. 

All Customs Agent and Traders are also urged to use the prepayment account (PPD) and online payment facility for the payment of the Customs Duties. 

We usually experience a rush and long queues at all our Offices on the final due day for lodgments and payments at the end of every month. To keep our workplaces, employees and customers safe and avoid overcrowding at the Offices, we would like to advise those taxpayers who cannot access our online services and must visit our Offices to conduct their business manually to spread out their visit from Monday to Friday next week. 

Taxpayers visiting FRCS Offices must activate the careFiji app on their mobile phones, if not then provide their contact details to our security or Officer before entering our Officers. They are also requested to adhere to the health protocols by wearing face masks, comply with temperature checks and practice social distancing when visiting FRCS Offices. 

We acknowledge all for understanding that these measures are implemented to ensure safety of our employees and customers. 

Please contact FRCS on 3243000 or 1326 or tpos@frcs.org.fj or info@frcs.org.fj, for any assistance or queries on Taxpayer Online Services. 

For further information, please email publicrelations@frcs.org.fj. 

April 24, 2021 2 min read Share:

All Tax Processes To Be Online By August 2021

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) announced today that all tax processes will be available online by August 2021.  The Service is also urging all taxpayers who have not yet signed up for the Taxpayer Online Services to do so.

FRCS made the above announcement amid preparation for roll-out of the remaining processes online which will take place each month from May to July 2021.

The complete list of the processes to be implemented from May to July 2021 is available on https://www.frcs.org.fj/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Implementation-of-new-services.pdf

The full implementation of FRCS services online will be a significant milestone and achievement for the Service and a demonstration of its commitment to be a contemporary service oriented Organisation.

FRCS will continue with education and awareness efforts on all the new and existing processes implemented online.

We also acknowledge the participation and thank businesses, accounting firms, tax agents and individual taxpayers for their feedback and input on our online tax processes which has been invaluable to the development and design process to ensure an optimal customer experience.

In March and April, FRCS held talanoa sessions in Suva and in Nadi with users of the Taxpayer Online Services to gather their views on what’s working well and what’s not with the new online system.  The open and interactive net-working session with a total of 154 participants allowed FRCS and the users to have an open two-way dialogue on matters impacting them as well as resolve arising issues.

To date, 44,640 people have signed on the Taxpayer Online Services.

“We can see a change in behaviour in how taxpayers interact with us as more taxpayers are using the online portal. The roll-out of new processes online in the past months have seen an increasing number of taxpayers filing returns online,” Mr. Vuto said.

In light of the current COVID 19 situation, having these online services will very beneficial to private and business customers who will want to use our services remotely. Taxpayers are encouraged to sign up on the online portal. Information and videos on how to sign up for the online portal is available on  – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OLHhx-2SpE.  

Taxpayers are also encouraged to update their information online related to change in their personal, business or bank details, change in address or change in contact to ensure that all their information are current and accurate. This will allow FRCS to provide enhanced services to its customers. Taxpayers can update their information on https://www.frcs.org.fj/myportals/new-taxpayer-online-portal/

Mr. Vuto encouraged all taxpayers to access the online services and to contact FRCS on 3243000 or 1326 or tpos@frcs.org.fj or  info@frcs.org.fj, for any assistance or queries on Taxpayer Online Services.

 

For further information, please email publicrelations@frcs.org.fj.

 

February 14, 2021 2 min read Share:

FRCS Announces New Services on Taxpayer Online Services (TPOS) from March 2021

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) is increasing its online service offering with the automation of new processes from the first week of March 2021.

 

The new services that will be available on the Taxpayer Online Services (TPOS) are;

  • Resident Interest Withholding Tax (RIWT) filing,
  • Rental Annual Report (RAR) filing,
  • Taxpayer Request (TPR) for Lodging Personal Income Tax (Salary & Wage Earner) Return 
  • TPR for Concessionary Tax Rate 
  • TPR for Extension of Time to Pay 
  • TPR for Extension of Time to File 
  • Change of Circumstances (COC) for Depreciation Method.

 

To ensure smooth implementation of RIWT filing on TPOS, taxpayers who have bank accounts but have not submitted their Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) to their respective banks are reminded to do so at the earliest.

 

All licensed Real Estate Agents are also reminded to lodge their 2020 RARs that is due by end of February on TPOS from 1st March 2021.

 

Customers, who wish to access these services will therefore no longer have to physically visit the FRCS Office, but will be able to simply log on http://mytpos.frs.org.fj to the TPOS and apply.

 

“We can see a change in behavior in how taxpayers interact with us with more taxpayers using the portal. The recent go live on February 2, had over 500 returns filed in the first week alone for Provisional Tax and PAYE” said the Acting CEO, Mr. Jonetani Vuto.

 

Taxpayers are encouraged to use online services and to update their information related to a change in taxpayer position, situation, or status on TPOS to ensure it is current and accurate. This will allow FRCS to enhance its services to its customers. Taxpayers can update their information on https://www.frcs.org.fj/myportals/new-taxpayer-online-portal/

 

Members of the public can also access tutorial and webinar videos on the online processes of the various tax types on https://www.frcs.org.fj/ourservices/taxpayer-online-service-tpos/tpos-tutorial-videos/andhttps://www.frcs.org.fj/our-services/taxpayer-online-service-tpos/webinarsessions/ . FRCS also encouraged all taxpayers to contact FRCS on 1326 or info@frcs.org.fj , should they require any assistance on Taxpayer Online Services. For further information, please email publicrelations@frcs.org.fj .

January 29, 2021 3 min read Share:

Agreement Paves way to Strengthen Border Security and Address Transnational Crime

Fiji’s border management system has been further strengthened and secured with the signing of an Agreement between the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) and the Fiji Police Force for both agencies to share information through INTERPOL database and FRCS National Customs Enforcement Network (NCEN).

The Agreement allows FRCS direct access to the INTERPOL Information System where FRCS will be able to instantly access a wide-range of criminal information located in INTERPOL’s databases including information on firearms, lost travel documents and fingerprint identification.

The Agreement was signed with the Fiji Police Force on Friday 29th January 2021. The signing of the MOA coincided with the International Customs Day 2021 celebrations at FRCS Headquarter in Suva this afternoon.

The Agreement is integral to tackling transnational crime and is also a counter terrorism risk assessment tool for importation of contrabands.

Now FRCS frontline law enforcement officers at airports and seaports can have real- time access to INTERPOL’s range of criminal databases, which contains millions of records shared by countries.

Fighting transnational crime demands greater and increased cooperation from all parties concerned and with this there is greater demand now than ever before for networking and sharing of intelligence and information in real-time, which shall enable law enforcement partners to proactively keep our communities and borders safe, while simultaneously enhancing productivity, efficiency and compliance in facilitating legitimate travel and trade.

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FRCS supports and promotes coordinated border management for border security and combating organised crime.

“The signing of the Agreement is a way forward in creating a safer Fiji for all. This Agreement is a framework that will continue to enhance our capacity, capability, and information sharing. This is a way forward in creating a safer Fiji as we protect our borders and look into the transnational crimes that are impacting not only our country but the region as well. We will ensure Fiji is one that organized crime groups will find difficult to operate in.” said the Acting Commissioner of Fiji Police Force Mr. Rusiate Tudravu.

For further information, please email publicrelations@frcs.org.fj

January 28, 2021 2 min read Share:

International Customs Day 2021

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) has implemented initiatives and processes to further support and enhance trade facilitation and ease of doing business in Fiji following the COVID-19 pandemic.
FRCS Acting Chief Executive Officer Mr. Jonetani Vuto said the COVID-19 challenges meant that FRCS needed to make customs process more simplified and ensure that they work better for Fijians and legitimate businesses.

Mr. Vuto made these statements in commemoration of the International Customs Day (ICD) 2021, which is celebrated world-wide on 26 January.
This year’s ICD 2021 is dedicated to the united efforts of Customs to emerge from the coronavirus crisis and support people and businesses by strengthening the global supply chain, reinforcing collaboration, harnessing technology and putting “people: at the Centre of the transformation process, with the slogan “Customs bolstering Recovery, Renewal and Resilience for a sustainable supply chain.”

According to Mr. Vuto, in the past year FRCS has further implemented initiatives and processes to support the smooth flow of goods across borders, boost confidence in trade and keep supply chains flowing and secure. “We have implemented measures to decrease dwell times at the port with speedier cargo clearance and reduced logistics costs through elimination of intermediaries in the supply chain,” he said.

“FRCS intends to minimise and eliminate unnecessary intervention in administering the transfer of under bond cargo to other port for clearance and also the incorporation of the Harbor Compliance Analyst to assess the risk for vessels and the virtual clearance of vessels together with our key border stakeholders, Immigration and Biosecurity. This initiative is to support traders facilitate the clearance of imported goods and minimise their operating cost of doing business.”

Mr. Vuto stated that FRCS is dedicated towards creating transparency and predictable conditions for trade, and facilitate legitimate business that will in turn contribute to economic growth and job opportunities.
He emphasized on the important role that Customs played in contributing to economic competiveness through border protection, combating illegal trade, trade facilitation and revenue collection. “We will continue to provide guidance, help to share best practices and information, and deliver capacity building and technical assistance support to trader, traveler, and tax payer needs to help Fiji grow”.

 

For further information, please email publicrelations@frcs.org.fj.

January 12, 2021 2 min read Share:

FRCS Announces Interim CEO, Thanks Outgoing CEO

 

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) Board announced today that FRCS Director Border Mr. Jonetani Vuto has been appointed as the Interim Chief Executive Officer to move the Organisation forward.

Mr Vuto has been with FRCS for past 31 years and brings with him a lot of experience in terms on technical and strategic guidance that is required by FRCS. He has worked in all divisions within the FRCS including Compliance, Revenue, Border and Policy.

While thanking Mr Vuto for accepting the position, the FRCS Board stated Mr Vuto’s familiarity with the Tax Office and his breadth of experience will further strengthen the management and leadership of FRCS.

The Board also sincerely thanked outgoing acting CEO Ms Fane Vave for her years of service, dedication and leadership during her term in FRCS and wished her well in her future endeavors.

 

For further information, please email publicrelations@frcs.org.fj.

October 7, 2020 2 min read Share:

FRCS Launches New Services on Taxpayer Online Services (TPOS)

This media release announces that the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service will be increasing its online service offering with the automation of four processes in November.

 

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) has announced today that four new online service modules will be available on its Taxpayer Online service (TPOS) from 3 November 2020.

The new services that will be available include (i) Tax Compliance Certificate (TCC), (ii) Taxpayer Requests for Remission of Penalties, (iii) Requests for Time to Pay Arrangements and (iv) Requests for Clarification.

Customers, who wish to access these services will therefore no longer have to physically visit the Tax Office to access these services,  as from 3 November customers will be able to simply log onhttp://mytpos.frcs.org.fj to the Taxpayer Online Services and apply.

The first phase of the Taxpayer Online Services was launched in December 2019. The services currently available online includes Environment and Climate Adaptation Levy (ECAL), Fringe Benefit Tax, Telecommunications Levy, Value Added Tax (VAT) and Taxpayer Registration.  

FRCS Acting Chief Executive Officer Ms. Fane Vave described the upcoming implementation of the four new service modules on the Taxpayer Online Services as a significant achievement for FRCS and a demonstration of its commitment to be a contemporary service oriented Organisation.

FRCS has been holding a series of consultations with all stakeholders to enhance education and awareness on the online processes of the various tax types to support taxpayers through the new transition. The videos of these tax types can be accessed on FRCS website https://www.frcs.org.fj/our-services/taxpayer-online-service-tpos/webinar-sessions/ and our You Tube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNTGMfofPp8-P_KkxOfGKaw/.

“I acknowledge the participation of different business segments, accounting firms, tax agents and individual taxpayers in our External Testers Program over the last 6 months whose feedback and input has been invaluable to test the online tax processes and are integral to our development and design process to ensure an optimal customer experience.”

Ms Vave encourages all taxpayers to access the online services and to contact FRCS on 1326 or info@frcs.org.fj, should they require any assistance on Taxpayer Online Services.

 

For further information, please email publicrelations@frcs.org.fj.

October 7, 2020 1 min read Share:

Stronger Job Support Scheme

Further to the historic levels of direct government COVID-19 unemployment assistance, the Fijian Government has announced a new hiring subsidy- the Stronger Together Jobs Support Scheme- to incentivize employers to create employment for out-of-work Fijians. Employers approved as “Stronger Together Employers” will be granted a wage subsidy equivalent to the minimum wage rate for a three-month period when they employ eligible Fijians.  

Click here to access the Expression of Interest and Application Form for this.