The transformation of tax administration functions in the automatic exchange of information era - A developing country's perspective

Abstract

Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI) results in tax administrations sending and receiving large amounts of data on an automatic basis, which will have a substantial impact on their functions and the way they operate. From the perspective of taxpayers, AEOI puts a greater focus on tax administration functions of assistance, providing services, lowering the compliance burden on taxpayers and enforcement. From the perspective of the tax administration, AEOI creates pressure on the ability of tax administrations to perform their functions of risk assessment, audit, data management and tax collection. AEOI will not create new functions for tax administrations. Developing countries, including Qatar, should embrace the policy objectives that led to the development of the AEOI standard and focus not only on facilitating compliance with the obligations but also on effectively using the information received in improving their functions of risk assessment, audit, collection, and so forth.