Institute renews call for Taxpayers' Charter

The Malta Institute of Taxation complained today that no progress had been made on the adoption of a Taxpayers' Charter in Malta, even though the issue was first discussed with the government years ago.

It recalled that in the last Budget speach the Minister of Finance also said that a Taxpayers' Charter was being actively considered.

Yet no consultations has been carried out since, MIT President Dr Renald Micallef said.

Institute Secretary George Farrugia said a charter was need for clear decisions on taxation matters.

"Malta is in danger of becoming a laughing stock among the developed countries of the world, let alone the EU. Countries like United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany and Italy which constitute the majority of Malta's trading activity with the EU have had such a charter for quite some time now. Any further excuse about resources is simply not acceptable.

"The EU has already expressed its opinion on shortcomings from Malta which, as a country, we have tried to fend off with excuses of lack of resources. Can we really expect to take our place among the liberal, democratic elite of Europe and meet the 2015 Vision, if we do not grant our taxpayers a modicum of protection of their rights against the all-powerful state and its organs?" said Mr Farrugia.