USAID Presents New Tool to Improve Local Tax Administration

USAID Presents New Tool to Improve Local Tax Administration
Tirana, January 28, 2008    In a press conference attended by the Minister of Finance, Ridvan Bode, USAID Mission Director, Roberta Mahoney, USAID presented a new tax manual to the Government to support reforms in Albania’s tax administration. The Guidelines on the Administration of Local Taxes and Fees will serve as a tool in the professional growth and training of local tax administrators and will directly support the success of local government finance reform.

In her remarks, Mahoney acknowledged the importance of this sector, noting that clear procedures, transparency of operation, and a professional staff with integrity are integral for the administration of local taxes and fees.

“This publication is the guide to improved performance in the collection and administration of local taxes and fees,” said Mahoney. “Local governments that use these tools will be able to provide better public services to their citizens, and enhance their ability to operate independently and effectively as modern local self-governing units,” said Mahoney.

The Guidelines are endorsed by both the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Interior and will be available to all local government units throughout Albania.

The publication is a practical guide to help local tax administrators in their daily work and consists of two parts. The first part focuses on tax policy and gives a description of the legislation authorizing and defining each local tax and fee. The second part focuses on tax administration and procedures for the administration of local taxes and fees including registration, assessment, inspection and tax enforcement procedures. In addition, the process of transparent reporting and the need for effective collaboration between the local tax administration and various central government institutions are incorporated in this handbook.

The publication was prepared through USAID’s Local Governance Program in Albania (LGPA), a program that works with municipalities to foster local economic growth, improve local governance, and strengthen civic and private sector engagement in local development. LGPA’s partner municipalities are: Fier, Fushe-Kruje, Gramsh, Himare, Korçe, Kukes, Lezhe, Librazhd, Pogradec and Shkoder.

For more information please contact: Silvana Meko, LGPA Local Governance Specialist, Mobile: 0694033831, email: smeko@lgpa.al or office phone: ++355-4-266-637, or www.lgpa.al 

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