11/14/2025 Developed under the NTO umbrella, the initiative drew inspiration from the ATAF Women in Tax Network (AWITN), led by fellow NTO member ATAF. It illustrates how collaboration within the NTO enables members to build on each other’s experiences and adapt effective approaches to their regions, with the initiative now evolving independently. The second phase of the PITAA Women in Tax (WIT) Mentorship Programme in the Pacific region was officially announced on 24 September 2025 during the 22nd Annual Heads Meetings of the Pacific Islands Tax Administrators Association (PITAA). This follows the successful completion of the Pilot Mentorship Programme, ran from December 2024 to June 2025, which brought together 12 mentors and 12 mentees from around 14 Pacific tax administrations. Read about the outcomes of the pilot programme. Developed in partnership between the Network of Tax Organisations (NTO) and PITAA — one of the 10 regional and international tax organisations that make up the NTO, the Pilot offered monthly virtual sessions on various career development topics, including goal setting, confidence building, workplace leadership, and personal branding. The sessions were complemented with the one-on-one monthly mentorship exchanges. Its completion highlights the NTO’s role in fostering regional networks that support the professional development of women in tax administrations. The programme builds on the “Manual for the Establishment of Networking and Mentorship Programmes for Women Tax Professionals”, produced by the NTO and inspired by the African Tax Administration From (ATAF)’s Women in Tax Network (AWITN). The implementation of this new phase will be supported by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). By bringing together relevant stakeholders engaged in promoting the increased engagement of women in the tax sector, PITAA is ensuring the continuation and the further development of its Women in Tax Mentorship Programme in support for women professionals in the Pacific region. The NTO congratulates PITAA and the Australian Government for continuing the work on promoting gender equality in the tax authorities of the Pacific region. The orientation for the second cohort was held in Nadi, Fiji from 11–13 November 2025. Following the orientation session, mentors and mentees will have monthly virtual sessions. For further information, please read PITAA’s official press release. The Secretariat of the NTO welcomes this development and looks forward to the continued success of future cohorts of women in tax in the Pacific region.   Relevant links: Women in tax: the mentorship journey of Vanessa Mamu Empowering women in taxation: the role of women-led networks  PITAA-NTO launch Women in Tax Pilot Mentorship Programme Promoting networking and mentorship for women in tax: a manual of the NTO

11/17/2025 NTO Council holds latest meeting to advance 2026 planning The Council of the Network of Tax Organisations (NTO) met on 10 November 2025 to review ongoing initiatives and tentative plans for 2026. The Council, composed of five representatives of the NTO signatories and headed by its Chair, oversees the operational management of the Network, supports the General Assembly, and guides the Secretariat in line with the NTO’s objectives and guiding principles. Its current composition, agreed during the 7th NTO General Assembly in Panama City in February 2025, includes the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF), the Commonwealth Association of Tax Administrators CATA (Chair of the Council), the Centro Interamericano de Administraciones Tributarias (CIAT), the Intra-European Organisation of Tax Administrators (IOTA), and the West African Tax Administration Forum (WATAF). A central point of the meeting was the coordination of the 2026 calendar. Members highlighted the importance of early identification of key activities like NTO members’ technical conferences to avoid overlaps and ensure smoother planning across the Network. As part of this process, CATA indicated its willingness to host the 2026 NTO General Assembly in October 2026 (specific dates and location to be confirmed). From 2026 onwards, the NTO Secretariat will transition to a rotationary structure, with each member organisation hosting the Secretariat for a two-year term. The first rotation will be hosted by CATA. Members discussed the practical steps needed to support this transition and ensure continuity of coordination within the Network, as well as its identity. Further discussions to this end will take place. Next steps include further coordination on members’ internal work plans for 2026 and continued follow-up on arrangements linked to the new strategy 2026-2028 for the global network.

11/21/2025 NTO, WATAF, and CIAT host two-day virtual workshop Within the framework of the Network of Tax Organisations (NTO), the West African Tax Administrations Forum (WATAF) organised the two-day virtual workshop Digital Economy and Emerging Taxes: Adapting Taxation to the New Economic Landscape, together with the Centro Interamericano de Administraciones Tributarias (CIAT), both members of the global Network. More than 160 participants took part in the online sessions that unfolded on 11 and 12 November, including tax officials from Africa, the Americas, Europe and Asia. The digital economy has become a permanent part of economic activity, and tax administrations can no longer remain passive. Speakers explored several challenges, including the difficulty of measuring revenue losses linked to digital activities, designing digital services taxes, and identifying policy approaches that are realistic and suitable for developing countries. Participants also discussed the increasing relevance of crypto-asset markets and the new policy and administrative demands they create. While countries have different policy options, the most suitable approach depends on national context, administrative capacity, and international commitments. Across the workshop, speakers stressed that effective digital taxation requires not only legislative updates but also strong capacity building. Regional cooperation through tax organisations and regional bodies was highlighted as a way to increase bargaining power and support shared learning.     One session focused on the use of artificial intelligence in compliance and risk analysis. Panellists noted that AI tools can strengthen tax administration, but their use raises challenges related to data protection, taxpayer rights, skills gaps, implementation costs, and outdated regulatory frameworks. Ensuring clear regulation from the outset was identified as key to successful adoption.     The workshop also included a session on cross-border collaboration, with contributions from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), CIAT, Benin, Nigeria, and other administrations. CIAT presented its cooperation model for addressing digital taxation challenges, along with the services it provides to support tax administrations. Benin shared its experience with e-invoicing and how it is helping to increase revenue, while other panellists highlighted opportunities for regional mechanisms to strengthen cooperation and knowledge sharing in digital taxation. The two-day workshop concluded with remarks from Jules Tapsoba, Executive Secretary of WATAF, and Dr. Esther A.P. Koisin, Executive Secretary of CATA and Chair of the NTO Council, who emphasised the value of continued knowledge exchange and coordination in adapting tax systems and tax administrations to the rapidly evolving digital economy. “Navigating the digital tax landscape: e-commerce, sharing platforms, and trade in crypto assets” was the theme of the 3rd NTO Technical Conference, which inspired this two-day virtual workshop. For a deeper dive into the topic, the Conference report is available.

08/02/2024 Data is one of the most crucial assets of tax administrations, and requires stringent management to optimise its use and improve strategic decision-making. Over the past year, the Network of Tax Organisations (NTO) has been developing materials and resources aimed at improving data and information management for tax administrations. Recognising the importance of data in decision-making, the NTO is introducing three innovative products that will be valuable to tax administrations globally. These include a comprehensive Data Governance course, translations of the “Data Governance for Tax Administrations: A Practical Guide” manual into French and Spanish, and three online events to further knowledge through practical case studies and real-time exchanges with international experts. The NTO’s Data Governance initiative addresses needs that have been identified in numerous tax administrations, where issues like data validation, irregular data capture, and unnecessary storage have resulted in additional costs and reduced data quality. Data, being one of the most crucial assets of tax administrations, requires stringent management to optimise its use and improve strategic decision-making.   Data Governance Manual in Spanish, English, and French The NTO has sponsored the translation of the Inter-American Center of Tax Administrations (CIAT) publication “Data Governance for Tax Administrations: A Practical Guide” into French and Spanish. Originally published in English in 2022, this manual is a product of the technical assistance projects that CIAT provides to its member countries. Through these projects, CIAT identified opportunities for improvement in data capture and storage, as well as data quality enhancement.   The manual outlines various tools for data management, such as data catalogues, documentation portals, and information lifecycle management. Its goal is to provide tax administrations with a comparative perspective to self-evaluate their Data Governance processes based on best practices. This also helps tax administrations to develop their own roadmap for improving their Data Governance. It is a comprehensive guide that explains how Data Governance functions within the context of tax administrations. By facilitating translations into Spanish and French, the NTO extends this knowledge to a broader range of tax authorities worldwide. Download the manual here.  Massive Open Online Course on Data Governance The second product is an Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) on Data Governance, set to launch in mid-October. This interactive course introduces the content of the “Data Governance for Tax Administrations: A Practical Guide” manual. This 8-hour online course is conducted in English and allows participants to progress at their own pace. It is free for tax administrations affiliated with NTO member organisations. Through video lessons, case studies, and a collection of additional resources, participants will gain a deep, applicable understanding of data management. The course is unique as it offers deeper understanding and practical applicability on the subject matter, it was developed by professionals who apply Data Governance in their daily work. It is a course created by tax administrators for tax administrators. The curriculum covers common policies, both strategic and operational, and introduces a maturity model that allows each administration to assess its level of development in this area. Additionally, it provides practical tools for implementing significant improvements in data management. It is designed for officials from various areas and levels within tax administrations. It is particularly useful for executives who require a general understanding, and for employees working in areas involving Data Governance. It provides them with a common language and understanding of what data and information represent. Essentially, it unites all strategic, operational, and support areas under a general framework, facilitating coherence in data management within the tax administration.   Online Events on Data Governance The final product is a series of three events designed to offer an overview of Data Governance and its practical impact. The inaugural event “Data Governance at a Glance: from Theory to Practice” took place on 7 August, 2024, and introduced data governance and management. It was led by Antonio Seco, the author of the CIAT manual “Data Governance for Tax Administrations: A Practical Guide”. This first webinar focused on Guatemala’s perspective, offering a detailed view of how Data Governance can transform tax management. The second and third webinars of the series will take place in September and November 2024, respectively. More information is this regard will follow soon.   Snap of Erick Echeverría’s (SAT Guatemala) presentation during the NTO webinar “Data Governance at a Glance: from Theory to Practice”   These events are designed to raise awareness among participants about the importance of effective data management and to foster both practical and theoretical exchanges between peers and international experts. Subsequent online events will also serve as forums to address questions related to the course.   The value of the Data Governance initiative The primary goal of these products is to equip tax administrations with the tools and knowledge needed to assess and improve their data management practices. This not only enables more informed and efficient decision-making but also contributes to better resource management and reduced costs associated with poor data quality. The target audience for the NTO initiative includes officials from tax administrations affiliated with NTO member organisations. These data governance products are also valuable for secondary audiences such as customs officials or tax administration consultants providing services to multilateral organisations. The NTO is committed to the continuous improvement of the capacities of tax administrations affiliated with its members. This three-pronged initiative aims to strengthen the abilities of tax authorities in effective information management and Data Governance. In doing so, the NTO seeks to optimise data-driven decision-making and enhance the operational efficiency of these tax administrations. For more information, please contact: secretariat@taxcompact.net

08/14/2024 On 7 August, the first in a series of three webinars took place, part of an initiative by the NTO in collaboration with CIAT, aimed at enhancing data governance and information management capabilities within tax administrations. Learn more about the NTO Data Governance initiative here. On 7 August, the first in a series of three webinars took place, part of an initiative by the Network of Tax Organisations (NTO) in collaboration with the Inter-American Center of Tax Administrations (CIAT), aimed at enhancing data governance and information management capabilities within tax administrations. The virtual event “Data Governance at a Glance: from Theory to Practice” was moderated by David Borja, Executive Operations Manager at CIAT. The webinar attracted 140 participants from revenue administrations from all over the world affiliated to NTO member organisations and was conducted in Spanish, with simultaneous interpretation available in English, French, and Arabic. During the webinar, the Secretariat of the NTO introduced three key resources developed over the past year to strengthen the data management and governance capacities of tax authorities. These resources include a virtual course on Data Governance, set to launch in the last quarter of this year; French and Spanish translations of CIAT’s manual “Data Governance for Tax Administrations: A Practical Guide”; and a series of three online events designed to deepen participants’ understanding through theoretical presentations, practical case studies, and real-time exchanges with international experts. Presentation by Antonio Seco during the NTO webinar “Data Governance at a Glance: from Theory to Practice” The first webinar featured Antonio Seco, a consultant for the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and CIAT, and one of the authors of the book “Data Governance for Tax Administrations: A Practical Guide”. Seco provided an overview of the manual, guiding the audience through its eight chapters, highlighting key milestones and elements from a practical data governance perspective. The manual is available for download in English, Spanish, and French. The second presentation was delivered by Erick Echeverría Mazariegos, Director of Revenue at the Superintendency of Tax Administration (SAT) in Guatemala. L to R: David Borja (CIAT) and Erick Echeverría Mazariegos (SAT Guatemala)   Erick Echeverría gave an in-depth review of Guatemala’s experience with Data Governance. Faced with the significant increase in information generated by digitalisation, Guatemala took a crucial step towards Data Governance in response to the segmentation of information sources and the substantial growth in data volume. “It was time to organise and standardise,” he noted. In 2018, Guatemala initiated a cultural shift towards data management in the tax administration domain. The SAT identified widespread lack of general awareness about the impact of data quality and now aims to become a “data-driven organisation,” with a defined management strategy that enables strategic, data-based decision-making. Currently, SAT is developing a framework for data-driven decision-making with measurable outcomes. Presentation by Erick Echeverría during the NTO webinar “Data Governance at a Glance: from Theory to Practice”   Echeverría emphasised the importance and value of data through various practical examples within the strategic context of tax administration, including control strategies, anomaly detection, and revenue determinants. He also highlighted the lessons learned by Guatemala during its organisational cultural shift towards data. Among the most significant were the importance of change management, creating synergies between all involved teams, and the need for a flexible and adaptable organisational structure to accommodate internal and external changes.   Snap during SAT Guatemala’s Erick Echeverría Following the presentations, the virtual chat was filled with questions from tax administrators across different countries and time zones, demonstrating a high level of engagement and interest in Guatemala’s experience. Key concerns included future perspectives on data-driven decision-making, the necessary steps and tools for modelling data management, and the application of governance principles such as transparency, sustainability, participation, equity, and integrity in tax collection. Other participants showed interest in data security measures, particularly regarding the implementation of anonymisation solutions to protect information. This webinar, along with the peer exchanges that followed, underscores the importance of such events for knowledge sharing, experience exchange, and mutual learning. It also highlights the value of the NTO as a forum and platform for promoting practical and highly relevant exchanges towards improving tax administration.

09/10/2024 While the journey may be long, gender balance in the tax sector is possible. This NTO Manual serves as a tool in driving this progress across different regions. By leveraging the influence and technical expertise of NTO member organisations, meaningful change can be fostered within their affiliated tax administrations. This NTO initiative represents a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable tax sector. Tax systems are not commonly associated with the advancement or mainstreaming of gender equality in society. Tax administrations typically focus on processes like revenue collection, compliance, and risk management, often leaving gender considerations on the periphery. In light of this, the Network of Tax Organisations (NTO) presents its latest product, the Manual for the Establishment of Networking and Mentorship Programmes for Women Tax Professionals. The primary objective of the Manual is to facilitate knowledge exchange and mentorship among women in the tax sector — a field traditionally dominated by men. The Manual also seeks to inspire new entrants to the tax sector, providing guidance and support to develop professional competencies for aspiring women tax professionals. By encouraging greater participation from women, the NTO aims to enhance the equity of tax systems and ensure that women’s perspectives are included into decision-making processes, policy development, and tax administration design, among others. Promoting the inclusion and participation of women in the tax field not only benefits women tax professionals but also increases the capacities of tax administrations and improves the equitability of tax systems, contributing to broader societal equity. The Manual addresses a gap in the field by highlighting a networking and mentorship platform in the regional and international tax arena. While it offers general guidance, its implementation can be tailored to the unique characteristics of the piloting members. In other words, the Manual does not provide a one-size-fits-all solution but allows NTO members to adapt it to their specific circumstances, ultimately owning the process themselves. Background and motivation The development of the Manual was inspired by the webinar “Mainstreaming Gender in Tax Administrations”, hosted by the NTO in April 2023. The webinar featured presentations and perspectives from representatives of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Pakistan, the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), and the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF). Screenshot taken during the NTO webinar “Mainstreaming gender in tax administrations”, held on 27 April 2023.   During the webinar, Nana Akua Achiaa Mensah, one of the Manual’s co-authors, discussed the ATAF Women in Tax Network (AWITN). AWITN is a unique platform that connects African women working in the field of taxation, including those from governmental and non-governmental institutions, academia, civil society, and aspiring professionals with an interest in tax. Beyond empowering women in the tax field, the network advocates for discussions and studies on the impact of tax policy on gender equality in African countries. The virtual event sparked significant interest, with many participants expressing a desire for similar initiatives in their regions. Recognising the success of AWITN, the Network of Tax Organisations sought to create a product that could replicate and adapt this model for use by NTO members. The Manual builds on the foundation laid by AWITN, offering a scalable solution that can be tailored to different contexts and regional needs within the NTO’s global network. What began as an initiative reaching only ATAF members now has the potential to impact over 180 tax administrations affiliated with the NTO member organisations. By leveraging their unique positions, NTO member organisations can drive meaningful change that impacts these tax administrations. “Change comes from within”. A significant feature of the Manual is that it is a member-driven initiative. ATAF identified this gap in Africa and developed AWITN, which was incubated and nurtured within the Network. Today, it has the potential to expand globally. The way forward The Secretariat of the NTO is collaborating with the Secretariats of the Cercle de Réflexion et d’Échange des Dirigeants des Administrations Fiscales (CREDAF) and the Pacific Islands Tax Administrators Association (PITAA) to present the Manual to their respective memberships in September 2024. CREDAF and PITAA are the first members of the Network of Tax Organisations that will pilot a networking a mentorship programme for women tax professionals, based on the Manual. The programme will be officially launched for a six-month period – starting in September for PITAA and in October for CREDAF – with 10 and 15 participants, respectively. The experiences of PITAA and CREDAF, as well as the exchanges within their regions and networks, can bring to light meaningful lessons, challenges, best practices, and strategies that can serve other NTO members and regions in the future. Insights from PITAA’s and CREDAF’s experiences with piloting the Manual will unfold in time, offering valuable perspectives for the broader NTO community. Links of interest: PITAA-NTO launch Women in Tax Pilot Mentorship Programme

09/25/2024 Enhancing the capacities of tax organisations through peer-to-peer learning and exchange The Network of Tax Organisations (NTO) is preparing for the third edition of its peer-to-peer learning initiative, a core component of NTO value proposition 1: to develop a vibrant platform for peer exchange and collaborations among its members. The NTO aims to develop this vibrant platform for peer exchange and collaboration not only among the tax authorities affiliated with the tax organisations members of the Network – such as the well-known NTO webinars on contemporary issues of interest to tax administrations, like tax compliance and cryptocurrencies, tax and gender, and environmental taxes, which bring together tax officers from these tax administrations to share their knowledge and national experiences – but also at the Secretariat level of its ten member organisations. Peer learning between regional and international tax organisations presents an opportunity to strengthen their core processes. Improved processes will enable these tax organisations to provide better services and products to their member tax authorities, ultimately contributing to improving the efficiency of tax administrations. A member needs survey conducted in 2021 identified priority areas where NTO members required support. The results of this survey now inform the thematic areas for subsequent NTO peer-to-peer learning initiatives, ensuring that the sessions are relevant and impactful. What’s new in 2024? This year’s peer-to-peer learning programme will feature two formats, building on the success of previous editions. The initiative will be hosted by the Inter-American Center of Tax Administrations (CIAT) and includes: Virtual Exchanges (September 25, 26, and October 1, 2): Four sessions will be held, primarily among NTO Secretariats. The Secretariat of the NTO will lead the first session on 25 September on “Products on organisational development”. CIAT will host two sessions, one on its CIAT Helpdesk and the other on “Organisational process management”. Furthermore, a special session on 2 October will focus on “Special Taxation Regimes for Taxpayers with Lower Capacity,” bringing together the expertise of NTO members and interested tax authorities. Study Visit (November 18-22): The NTO Study Visit 2024 will be hosted by the Intra-European Organization of Tax Administration (IOTA) at its headquarters in Budapest. It will provide an opportunity for in-person peer-to-peer learning and a deeper exploration of core tax processes. Looking back The first NTO peer learning initiative took place in 2022, led by CIAT through six virtual live sessions. The focus was on three key areas: i) training models for tax administration officials; ii) delivery of technical assistance and cooperation projects; and iii) setting up a research unit plan and developing a research framework (with the latter delivered by the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF)).                                                           Snap during first peer learning session of NTO members. September 2022.   In 2023, the peer learning initiative evolved with the first-ever NTO Study Visit hosted by CIAT in Panama. Colleagues from IOTA and the Pacific Island Tax Administrators Association (PITAA) travelled to CIAT’s headquarters in Panama City to participate in an immersive study visit, bringing the until then virtual network into a physical setting.                                                                      Picture taken during the NTO Study Visit at CIAT headquarters in Panama City. October 2023. In 2024, NTO is taking the peer-to-peer learning initiative to the next level by combining both virtual and in-person formats, fostering a dynamic a comprehensive platform for exchange on tax administrations matters. These exchanges aim not only to increase the capacity of NTO members but also to serve as a tool to strengthen the global network.

10/10/2024 The flagship event of the global network will bring together international tax experts, policymakers, researchers, and representatives of civil society, and key stakeholders to exchange insights on the digital economy’s evolving tax challenges. Bonn, Germany / Panama City, October 2, 2024 – The Centro Interamericano de Administraciones Tributarias (CIAT) will host the 3rd NTO Technical Conference from February 18 to 20, 2025, in Panama City. The flagship event of the Network of Tax Organisations (NTO) was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on October 2, 2024, between Mr. Marcio Ferreira Verdi, Executive Secretary of CIAT, and Mr. Gunther Taube, Head of the Sector Programme Good Financial Governance at Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, representing the Secretariat of the NTO. The signing ceremony, which took place online, was attended by key representatives from both CIAT and the Secretariat of the NTO, alongside representatives from international tax organisations members of the global network, including Ms. Esther Koisin from the Commonwealth Association of Tax Administrators (CATA) and Mr. Laban Simbeye from the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF). The meeting underscored the collaborative spirit that will guide the organisation of the upcoming conference, highlighting the relevance of the global network and partnership in addressing global challenges in today’s taxation of the digital economy. Snap after the MoU signature, 2 October 2024.    Mr. Marcio Ferreira Verdi emphasised CIAT’s commitment during the discussion: “At CIAT, we will focus our team to ensure a great event. From today, the NTO is one of our biggest priorities for February”. Mr. Gunther Taube outlined the positive cooperation between NTO and CIAT. He also reflected on the past collaboration during the 1st NTO Technical Conference held in 2021, noting, “I was very pleased by how well our previous virtual conference unfolded, so I am confident about holding an in-person event with CIAT in Panama.”                                                             Snap after the MoU signature, 2 October 2024. Mr. Marcio Ferreira Verdi emphasised CIAT’s commitment during the discussion: “At CIAT, we will focus our team to ensure a great event. From today, the NTO is one of our biggest priorities for February”. Mr. Gunther Taube outlined the positive cooperation between NTO and CIAT. He also reflected on the past collaboration during the 1st NTO Technical Conference held in 2021, noting, “I was very pleased by how well our previous virtual conference unfolded, so I am confident about holding an in-person event with CIAT in Panama.” Mr. Marcio Ferreira Verdi (R) and Mr. Gunther Taube (L) exchange during the signature of the MoU. The MoU marks a step towards bringing together global tax experts and relevant stakeholders in Panama City to exchange insights on Navigating the digital tax landscape: e-commerce, sharing platforms, and trade in crypto assets. In this sense, the conference aims to address key issues related to the taxation of digital platforms, including the evolving challenges posed by the growth of e-commerce, the rise of crypto assets, and the expansion of the gig economy. Participation in the conference is by invitation, gathering a diverse group of tax officials, policymakers, researchers, and representatives from civil society, and key stakeholders of the NTO. The programme will feature expert-led discussions, panel sessions, and workshops that will delve into best practices and strategies for effectively navigating the complexities of taxing digital activities. As preparations for the conference progress, the Secretariat of the NTO will continue to work hand-in-hand with CIAT and other NTO members to ensure a successful and meaningful event. Additional details, including the full programme and confirmed speakers, will be announced in due time. The 3rd NTO Technical Conference follows the successful gatherings of the global network in previous years, on ‘’Building stronger partnerships to fight tax-related Illicit Financial Flows (IFF’s)”  and “Digitalisation of Tax Administrations and Contemporary Issues”, consolidating its position as a key platform for global cooperation on tax issues, with a particular focus on the digital economy’s evolving tax challenges.  

10/17/2024 This article discusses the NTO’s second webinar on Data Governance, which on 8 October explored the assessment of data governance maturity presented by Raúl Zambrano, alongside the Kenya Revenue Authority’s (KRA) experience with data cleansing solutions shared by Damacrine Masira. On 8 October 2024, the Network of Tax Organisations (NTO) hosted the second webinar of a series of three online events on Data Governance, organised in cooperation with the Inter-American Center of Tax Administrations (CIAT). Data Governance in action: the road to data quality brought together tax experts and practitioners from various regions to discuss data management in the context of revenue administrations. The virtual event explored the assessment of data governance maturity and the experience of the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) with data cleansing solutions. A Q&A session with the attendees followed the presentations. The event was conducted in both in Spanish and English, with simultaneous interpretation into French, and Arabic. Tax authorities affiliated with NTO member tax organisations attended the webinar, which was moderated by David Borja, Executive Operations Manager at CIAT. If you missed the first webinar of the series, check out this article. Insights from Raúl Zambrano In the webinar, Raúl Zambrano, Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) consultant and co-author of Data Governance for Tax Administrations. A Practical Guide, provided valuable insights into the importance of data management in tax administration. Through everyday examples, such as using an ATM, Zambrano illustrated how technology and digitalisation play a crucial role in optimising data management in this field. He specifically highlighted how advanced technologies, such as machine learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI), can be applied in tax administrations to improve decision-making processes. According to Zambrano, there are three key areas where AI can be leveraged: Real-time data analysis: Enables data to be processed and analysed as it arrives, improving responsiveness to fiscal events. Automated decision-making: Facilitates the integration of data into tax administration decision processes. Economic projections and simulations: Uses AI to conduct studies and simulations that better inform tax policies. Zambrano emphasised that this data-driven approach represents a shift in the traditional paradigm. It is no longer just about applying predefined rules but allowing data to become the core of decision-making, fostering deeper collaboration between human capital and technology.                                                                    Snap during Raúl Zambrano’s presentation. “Decisions based on evidence enhance our ability to create value and manage risks more effectively”. This approach requires a robust data governance framework within tax authorities. To achieve this, it is essential that tax authorities take ownership and control of their data, and establish clear policies to ensure its integrity and reliability. Procedures and standards must be defined to guide data management, ensuring that decision-making is both accurate and secure. Additionally, Zambrano highlighted the importance of developing strategic, operational, and support capabilities. Tax authorities must set a realistic level of data management maturity that aligns with their current resources and capabilities, including financial resources, human capital, and data literacy, among others. As this level is consolidated, their capabilities can gradually expand. In summary, Raúl Zambrano’s presentation evidenced that data governance not only transforms decision-making within tax administrations but also lays the foundation for more efficient and evidence-based management.                                                                      Screenshot during Raúl Zambrano’s presentation.   The experience of KRA by Damacrine Masira Damacrine Masira shared an insightful overview of Kenya Revenue Autority (KRA)’s journey towards digital transformation. In 2013, KRA began automating domestic tax processes – such as PIN issuance, filling returns, and making payments – as well as custom procedures. Prior to that, operations were manual, resulting in inefficient service delivery. However, as KRA integrated its traditional methods into these new automated systems, issues with poor data migration arose, marking the beginning of their quality data quality challenges. To address this, KRA adopted a data cleansing approach that focused on three areas: Ensuring correct registration from the start, addressing system issues and policy gaps. Cleansing existing registration data based on risk. Maintaining the integrity of the taxpayer register and build organisational capabilities. Masira explained how CIAT, with the use of the manual Data Governance for Tax Administrations. A Practical Guide, supported KRA in conducting a data maturity and governance assessment. This assessment helped KRA understand key issues they had with data, such as working with duplicated PIN numbers, providing a roadmap for improving their practices. “Planning is key. We want to run, to implement, to tick a box. But policy guidelines and data quality maturity assessment are critical and should be prioritised”. In her conclusion, Damacrine Masira shared the key lessons and challenges from KRA’s transformation journey towards improving data quality. Masira also stressed the need to conduct a maturity assessment before taking up data cleansing efforts, while underlining the importance of capacity building within the tax administration workforce.                                                               Snap during Damacrine Masira’s presentation. The webinar concluded with a Q&A session, where participants form various tax authorities around the world expressed interest in Kenya’s experience. These peer exchanges highlight the value of knowledge-sharing events organised under the umbrella of the Network of Tax Organisations (NTO). Such discussions show the NTO’s crucial role in fostering practical, meaningful dialogue on common challenges faced by tax administrations globally. The third webinar of the NTO series on Data Governance will take place in November. More information will follow soon. Learn more about the NTO Data Governance initiative here.   

12/10/2024 On 28 November, the Pacific Islands Tax Administrators Association (PITAA) hosted the orientation session for its Women in Tax Pilot Mentorship Programme, an initiative launched in collaboration with the Secretariat of the Network of Tax Organisations (NTO) aimed at establishing a network of women tax professionals in the Pacific Region. This piece was originally published by PITAA. The Pacific Islands Tax Administrators Association (PITAA) has partnered with the Network of Tax Organisations (NTO) to officially kick off the Women in Tax Pilot Mentorship Programme with its orientation session held virtually on Thursday 28th November 2024. This initiative is aimed at fostering gender equity, promoting professional development, and empowering women leaders in the field of tax administration across the Pacific region. The orientation session brought together a diverse group of thirty-three (33) mentors and mentees representing various Pacific Island tax administrations. The session served as a platform to introduce participants to the programme’s objectives, mentorship guidelines, and the tools required to build impactful professional relationships.                                                              Screenshot taken during the orientation session, 18 November 2024. Key highlights of the orientation session: Programme overview: Participants were briefed on the goals of the mentorship programme, emphasising its focus on supporting women in navigating leadership roles, addressing gender-specific challenges, and enhancing technical expertise in tax administration. Mentor-mentee dynamics: Sessions included discussions on creating meaningful connections, setting objectives, and fostering collaborative learning. PITAA Training Coordinator and Office Administrator, Mr. Petero Maivucevuce, expressed his enthusiasm about the programme stating that this programme will facilitate enhanced mentoring and knowledge exchange amongst women in tax administrations, fostering a supportive community. The program is designed with one clear mission to empower and support women in working, working in textual structured mentorship framework by focusing on professional development and enhancing leadership skills, we aim to promote gender equality in our workspaces. Petero Maivucevuce PITAA Training Coordinator and Office Administrator This initiative aligns with PITAA’s ongoing efforts to integrate gender perspectives into tax policy and administration. By providing a platform for mentorship, the programme seeks to cultivate a supportive network that not only enhances individual career trajectories but also strengthens the overall capacity of tax organisations in the Pacific region. PITAA extends its gratitude to the NTO and the participating tax administrations for their ongoing support in making this programme a reality. PITAA Secretariat looks forward to witnessing the positive outcomes of this collaboration and remains committed to fostering initiatives that drive inclusivity and innovation in the tax sector. Learn more about the NTO tax and gender initiative: Manual for the Establishment of Networking and Mentorship Programmes for Women Tax Professionals.