The Government will ensure that tax authorities fulfil their obligations towards taxpayers, as is required by taxpayers' rights, said Finance Minister Edward Scicluna today.

The Minister was delivering the opening address of a MIM International Taxation Conference on Taxpayers' rights in a changing international landscape.

"We have enough experience on the ground to know that there is a big difference between the 'ought' and the 'is'," the Minister said, referring to local tax authorities and their obligations towards taxpayers and their rights. "There exists a gap, and it is our job to reduce it."

Prof. Scicluna noted that among the measures taken to address this, the Commissioner for Revenue has been given broader powers, such as powers to remit interests and certain penalties.

"For this reason, we have set up an Interest Remissions Board which, rather than coming up with schemes and deadlines, ensures that all remissions granted ensure that all taxpayers enjoy a level-playing field," he said. He noted that a report will be subsequently published by the board, and will provide a platform upon which more work can be done to further ensure that all taxpayers and citizens are treated fairly.

 Prof. Scicluna also noted that the merger of tax authorities ongoing in the background will ensure that any taxpayer is investigated by the Inland Revenue once, and not by different officials for different tax offences.

"There should be only one investigation on all counts. The ongoing merger is a process that goes far beyond simply a new name and a rebranding, but a real merger which we will soon see working on the ground as it should," the Minister said.