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Streamlining tax operations
METAC continued to support member tax
administrations in modernizing and streamlining
operations, particularly with respect to business
process reengineering, integrated automated
information systems, taxpayers’ registration, and
performance monitoring based on key
performance indicators. In addition to improving
the business processes and procedures in a
number of METAC tax administrations, key
developments in FY2010 included: progress in
the acquisition process of a new computer system
to support tax operations in Syria and Sudan,
progress in redesigning the front office processes (registration, filing, payment) in Syria and
Yemen, and development of an interim IT solution in Syria to be used in the transitional period
(two to three years) before the deployment of the new system.
Strengthening self-assessment and risk-based compliance management
Implementing self-assessment has been a major initiative in METAC countries. Most member
administrations are moving to a self-assessment system – away from traditional administrative
assessments – which relies on effective risk-based compliance programs. While a well-targeted
audit program ensures that scarce tax department resources are not wasted on low revenueyielding
activities, it does require a number of conditions, including: accurate data, credible riskbased
selection criteria, appropriate audit techniques, effective case management, a rigorous
penalty regime, and a fair appeals system. In FY2010, METAC continued to provide TA in this
area to Sudan, Syria, West Bank and Gaza, and Yemen, with a focus on large and medium-sized
taxpayers.
Workshops and Training
METAC participants in the CREDAF Annual Workshop
on "Risk-Based Audit Management"
Dakar, Senegal
METAC organized a regional workshop on
“Functional Organizations and the Role of
Headquarters” in Beirut, Lebanon, from
June 24 to 26, 2009. All METAC countries
were represented mostly at the level of tax
administration heads. A senior short-term
expert provided a general review of
organizational principles and issues with a
particular focus on the role of headquarters.
Sudan, Syria and Yemen presented recent
organizational developments in their
respective administrations, and a high level
of participation resulted in a useful exchange
of views and experience.