Deloitte Malta is examining the potential of developing a mobile application for its Tax Bundle, the island’s first comprehensive tax law guide, which was launched a few weeks ago in print and online.
A 1,000-page publication is complemented by a more extensive online version featuring 2,500 pages of content, which is already being optimised for mobile.
An app for mobile and tablet would make the reference tool even more readily available to tax practitioners and students, the firm’s tax service line leader Malcolm Booker said.
Deloitte, which comprises Malta’s largest tax practice, is making the publication available for free.
Mr Booker described the Tax Bundle as a valuable marketing tool for the firm as it positions itself in the highly competitive tax market, vying for business from local firms and international organisations attracted to the island by the advantageous tax regime.
The intensive nine-month project involved a multi-disciplinary team of professionals at Deloitte Malta. The Tax Bundle collects legislation relating to income tax, VAT, duty and tax provisions concerning such areas as yacht and aircraft leasing, guidelines on the tax treatment of retirement benefits and on the Highly Qualified Persons Rules, among others, and selected EU directives. It also lists essential information on personal, corporate, direct and indirect tax.
“Although it is not a new idea to the international industry, it is a first for Malta. It is our contribution to the professional community and clients,” Mr Booker told The Sunday Times.
“Practitioners and students or people with an interest in tax now only have to refer to this one volume rather than sift through legislation on portals or print out pages.”
Each copy of the Tax Bundle is individually numbered, allowing users to register their copy online. Access to the online version at http://taxbundle.deloittemalta.com is free. The website features Flipbook technology to offer an interactive experience with functionality like straightforward navigation, a search facility, and a ‘toolbox’ which allows users to make notes, bookmark pages or attach Post-its and highlight extracts.
While the website will be updated regularly, following amendments to content, the printed version is intended to be updated annually.
“The online Tax Bundle is in keeping with Deloitte’s strategy to use technology to greater effectiveness around the world,” Mr Booker said.
“The Malta firm embraces this philosophy. It is particularly important in this context, because it allows us to give added value to clients or anyone with an interest in tax who comes into contact with the firm.”