Govt. targets $500m in tax

By Lanuola Tusani Tupufia 14 August 2016, 12:00AM

The Ministry of Revenue has set itself a target in terms of tax to collect. 

And it is no less than half a billion tala.

The target was confirmed by the Minister of Revenue, Tialavea Tionisio Seigafolava, during an interview with the Sunday Samoan.

Although the amount is a lot, the Minister is optimistic.

“We have already collected $37million for this first month (July) of this financial year 2016 – 2017,” said Tialavea. 

“The target we were given (from the Ministry of Finance) was $36million. This month we have a target of $40million and we are hoping we can get over that.”

According to the Minister, there are months that the Ministry doesn’t reach the set target given by the Ministry of Finance.   

 “We talk about planning and all the frameworks but if the numbers don’t add up then they are not performing.”

What will this mean for the people? 

Tialavea said it would mean that there is more money for the government for its development works. 

“If this is the way we are going, we should be getting our targeted $492million for this financial year,” he said. 

“If we can get $500million then it would be excellent.”

Compared to some five years ago, the Minister said an average of five percent was not achieved by the Ministry. 

“With that six percent it’s about $40million,” he said. “It is a lot of money…we are expecting change and a little more for the next budget.”

In the past, the Customs department had been accused of not honestly collecting tax.

By Lanuola Tusani Tupufia 14 August 2016, 12:00AM
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