Implementing Computerisation and Information Technology for Tax Administration

This publication offers guidance to revenue agencies that are in the process of designing or implementing computerisation or information technology projects to improve the efficiency of their tax administration. It draws on the experience of Australia, Malaysia, Malta, Pakistan, Singapore and Tanzania, representing a range of information technology initiatives of varying scales, complexity and levels of maturity. Rather than look at overall conceptual issues, which are already well covered elsewhere, this book looks at the finer details of implementation in order to identify lessons, ideas and opportunities, both at the planning and design phase, and during implementation and review and evaluation.

Table of Contents:
FOREWORD OVERVIEW OF THIS PUBLICATION Purpose and scope Relationship to other CATA publications Layout of the publication Feedback LIMITATIONS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS INTRODUCTION Why this publication was developed Methodology IN-DEPTH CASE STUDIES Australian Taxation Office - Tax Agent Portal (TAP) Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia - Self Assessment System (SAS) Inland Revenue Department of Malta - IR Services Online Central Board of Revenue, Pakistan - Tax Administrative Reforms Programme (TARP) Inland Revenue Agency of Singapore - Inland Revenue Interactive Networks (IRIN) Tanzania Revenue Authority and GTZ - Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAX) COMMON ISSUES AND GOOD PRACTICES Successful projects are business-led rather than technology-driven The importance of leadership and management empowerment Importance of effective governance and project management Identify and manage risk Adopt a user-centred approach to design, development and testing Adopt gradual phase-in and/or pilot projects Acknowledge and manage culture change Systems flexibility is important Communication is vital To outsource or not to outsource? Consider community readiness Develop and budget for a marketing strategy Consider data quality and security issues Plan for non-IT things too APPENDIX A Useful references on IT for tax administraion, E-government and project management APPENDIX B Selection of media articles on the implementation of the Australian customs integrated cargo system APPENDIX C Useful references on user-centred approach APPENDIX D Research questions APPENDIX E Figures

About the Author :
CATA is the Commonwealth organisation for tax administrators. It helps member countries through training programmes, technical conferences and knowledge sharing to develop effective tax administrations that promote sustainable development and good governance over the long-term. With 47 member countries, CATA is presently the largest organisation of tax administrators in the world.

Review :
'Clear and straightforward, this manual can help trainers organise their workshops in a logical and complete way.' - LEISA Magazine, volume 25, Issue 2, June 2009.