Govt: Inland Revenue staff to move to Revenue Authority

The Finance Ministry yesterday announced that all staff in the Inland Revenue Division (IRD) and the Customs and Excise Division “will transition from their respective positions to the TTRA (TT Revenue Authority) at terms and conditions no less favourable than those that they currently enjoy, if they so desire.”

In a statement, the ministry said this means “any member of staff who desires to transition to the TTRA will be guaranteed a position in the organisation.”

The ministry also said one objective of the TTRA is to better compensate, incentivise, train and equip staff to execute their duties more efficiently and effectively. The TTRA will subsume the powers of the IRD and Customs and Excise Division, under the provisions of the Exchequer and Audit Act, and all other relevant legislation and regulations. The ministry said staff who do not want to transition to the TTRA, would be able to remain in the Public Service at terms and conditions no less favourable than those they now enjoy.

Finance Minister Colm Imbert spoke about the TTRA’s establishment in his Budget presentation in the House of Representatives on October 2. The TTRA will be responsible for the collection of government revenue, the provision of other services and the protection of government revenue. This includes investigation of tax evasion, conduct of audits and border protection.

The Standing Finance Committee of the House was expected to approve the 2017/2018 budget yesterday. The Senate begins its budget debate at Tower D of the Port-of-Spain International Waterfront Centre at 10 am today. Minister in the Ministry of Finance Allyson West is expected to begin the debate. By law, the budget must be passed by the House and Senate before October 31.