The Internal Revenue Commission (IRC) has officially launched Project Master, a nationwide audit initiative designed to strengthen compliance with Salary and Wages Tax (SWT) obligations across Papua New Guinea.
IRC Commissioner General Sam Koim stated that as part of this major enforcement effort, 65 entities have been identified and will be receiving formal audit notification letters this week in the initial phase.
“These audits will focus on verifying the accuracy of tax calculations, application of the salary packaging policy, exemptions under the Citizens First Home Buyer scheme, the timely lodgment of SWT returns, and the full disclosure of employee tax information,” he said.
Commissioner General Koim emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating that the Project Master is part of the IRC’s broader strategy to close the compliance gap, expand the taxpayer base, and level the playing field for all.
“For too long, compliant taxpayers shouldered the burden while others evade their obligations. By targeting revenue leakages like SWT non-compliance, we aim to restore fairness, protect national revenue, and lay the groundwork for responsible tax relief in the future.
The audit letters will outline specific compliance requirements and timelines. The IRC strongly encourages all businesses to proactively conduct internal reviews, correct any discrepancies and ensure that all SWT obligations are current,” he said.
Mr. Koim added that gone are the days when it took weeks to audit a single taxpayer.
“The IRC is now adopting and using smarter, data-driven tools to detect non-compliance swiftly and precisely. Taxpayers must not operate under the illusion that they are still hidden in a thick jungle, where no one will find them. Those days are over, we see more, know more and will act decisively,” Mr. Koim said.
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