OECD Forum on Tax Administration discusses actions to address International Compliance and taxpayer service

On mid September 2010, the OECD Forum on Tax Administration met to discuss a range of issues asso­ciated with administering tax systems in the current climate. According to the tax commissioners, major improvements in taxpayer compliance could be ob­tained through:

- Sound corporate governance practices that address tax risk assessment and management by corporate boards;

- Building on recent advances in international co-operation and strengthening opportunities to share information which will improve offshore compliance .

- Joint audits by two or more revenue bodies exami­ning corporate and individual taxpayers with a global footprint, to boost International tax compliance and reduce costs for taxpayers and revenue bodies;

The commissioners reaffirmed their commitment to improving service to taxpayers, in particular, to ba­lancing the need for speed and integrity in making tax repayments or credits and the desire to continue constructive dialogues with key stakeholders. Partici­pants also discussed reports on approaches to tax risks in the banking sector. They also reconfirmed their commitment to support Tax Administration in developing and emerging econo­mies, in particular in relation to compliance.