The Internal Revenue Commission (IRC) of Papua New Guinea (PNG) collected K17.3 million in tax this year, 2024. This was announced by the Commissioner General (CG) for IRC Mr. Sam Koim, noting that this achievement marks a significant milestone for the nation and the institution, as it celebrates its 65th anniversary. At the 65th Anniversary celebrations recently, Mr. Koim also acknowledged everyone’s effort contributed towards the success and the progress of the IRC. “Such remarkable progress would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of our staff, both past and present. Your dedication to fostering compliance, integrity, and innovation in revenue collection has been the cornerstone of our success. “To our partners—taxpayers, businesses, government agencies, and international organizations—your collaboration and trust have been indispensable in navigating challenges, implementing reforms, and achieving significant milestones. “This momentous occasion is not merely a reflection of the passage of time but a profound testament to the unwavering commitment, resilience, and evolution of an institution that has played a pivotal role in shaping our nation’s progress,” Koim said. He emphasized that for 65 years, the IRC has been the backbone of PNG’s revenue generation, enabling the delivery of essential government services and fueling national development. From its humble beginnings in 1959, signified by the Income Tax Act 1959 which is still in use today, the IRC has evolved into a dynamic and forward-looking tax administration, embracing technological advancements and global best practices to adapt to the demands of an ever-changing economic landscape. “Reflecting on our history, we started by collecting taxes in pounds, transitioned to Australian Dollars, and finally settled on Kina in 1975, signifying Papua New Guinea’s journey toward political and economic independence. “It is a privilege for me to serve as the seventh CG in IRC’s seventh decade. I am proud to announce that in the last five years of my tenure, we have generated over K65 billion in tax revenues, a fitting achievement to mark our 65th anniversary. “This year, despite the government increasing our revenue target by a staggering 28%, we successfully met the target. Looking ahead, we are challenged by an even higher target of K19.4 billion for 2025, representing a 14% increase from this year. However, I am confident that with our combined efforts, we will rise to meet this challenge. At IRC, our recurring theme for each year has been one word – “productivity.” “As we look to the future, the IRC remains steadfast in its vision of not only becoming the best run public sector organization in PNG, but a world-class tax administration. It is not impossible, of course it is possible because I believe in our potential,” Koim concluded.