Reaching ‘safe curve’, economic justice top gov't priority — Finance minister

AMMAN — The Income and Sales Tax Department (ISTD) seeks to reach a “safe curve” without burdening the public and aims to achieve economic justice, Finance Minister Mohamad Al-Ississ said on Saturday.

During a workshop on modernising  the ISTD vision, he noted that getting ahead of a “safe curve” could be through realising economic justice through combating tax evasion and tax avoidance, while enhancing tax compliance.    

He also highlighted the ISTD efforts towards tax reforms, during the last two years, notably addressing tax distortions and imbalances, improving audit efficiency, combating tax evasion and tax avoidance, rather than introducing new taxes or hikes, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The USAID-funded workshop was held in cooperation with the Public Financial Management and Administration (PFMA).

During the workshop, the Finance minister said that the ISTD focuses on easing the private sector’s activities. 

He stressed that with “no tangible legislative stability, growth cannot be achieved”,    the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.  

ISTD Director General Hussam Abu Ali said that the organisation of the three-day workshop is part of the department's modernisation efforts.

The ISTD, this year, has managed to improve its direct and indirect revenues, thanks to the implemented reforms and legislation, noting that audit procedures have been based on    best international practices. 

The ISTD has some 13 ongoing tax reform projects, while six will be ended this year, he added.

USAID Representative Ruba Abu Hussein said that the Jordan public financial management project, funded by the agency, aims to support the Kingdom's public financial management system.