IMF Calls for Faster Tax Reforms, E-Filing and Customs Modernization in Antigua and Barbuda

The International Monetary Fund is urging Antigua and Barbuda to accelerate tax administration and customs reforms, saying faster modernization is critical to improving revenue collection, boosting efficiency and strengthening fiscal sustainability.

In a concluding statement following its Article IV consultation mission, IMF staff said priority should be given to rolling out new information technology systems across revenue agencies, noting that outdated processes continue to constrain compliance and operational effectiveness.

The Fund highlighted the need to introduce electronic filing and e-payment systems, which it said would make it easier for taxpayers to meet their obligations while reducing administrative burdens and leakages in revenue collection.

Customs reform was also identified as a key area for improvement. The IMF encouraged faster implementation of HS 2022 customs reforms, alongside efforts to modernize customs procedures and reduce red tape that hampers trade and competitiveness.

In addition, IMF staff recommended the establishment of a large taxpayer unit, describing it as an important step toward strengthening oversight of major contributors, improving compliance and stabilizing revenue flows.

The IMF said timely completion of IT upgrades and administrative reforms would be essential to sustaining recent gains in tax performance and helping Antigua and Barbuda move closer to its medium-term goal of raising tax revenues to about 20 percent of gross domestic product.

While acknowledging progress made in recent years, the Fund stressed that further reforms are needed to place revenue mobilization on a more durable footing and reduce reliance on one-off collections.

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