News
Changes to TIN system; IRD complains of practical issues
View(s):By Damith Wickremasekara
The Finance Ministry is to introduce a string of amendments to the recently introduced system for all citizens above the age of 18 to obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN) for the payment of tax.
The move comes following complaints from Inland Revenue Department (IRD) officials over the practical difficulties in implementing the system.
Until the changes in the system were introduced, the system would not be strictly enforced, State Finance Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya told the Sunday Times.
He said that about Rs 2.5 billion would be needed to introduce the system, as the IRD was required to officially inform the holder of the number by post.
The officials have pointed out that they also lacked human resources to implement the system.
The state minister said they hoped to recruit undergraduates on a temporary basis with a Rs 1,500 allowance a day to complete the process, while senior officials and even office assistants would be recruited on a temporary basis.
Minister Siyambalapitiya said that Cabinet approval would be sought to introduce the changes in the system.
Meanwhile, the Inland Revenue Service Union secretary, H.A.L. Udayasiri, told the Sunday Times that they had proposed that the system should be delayed by one year before making it compulsory.
He said the Finance Ministry had failed to provide the required facilities for the implementation of the system.
He said that under the current system, there were two levels of approval for the TIN, and therefore the process would be delayed. He said the number needed double approval, and therefore the existing staff was insufficient.
He also said that the system needed to be linked to the databases of the Registration of Persons Department, the Motor Traffic Department, and banks.
The best way to say that you found the home of your dreams is by finding it on Hitad.lk. We have listings for apartments for sale or rent in Sri Lanka, no matter what locale you're looking for! Whether you live in Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Matara, Jaffna and more - we've got them all!