HM REVENUE AND
CUSTOMS News Release (NAT 42/08) issued by COI News Distribution
Service. 15 September 2008
International
action against tax avoidance is taking an important step forward
with the arrival of a representative of the State Administration
of Taxation (SAT) of China at JITSIC's London office.
The Joint International Tax Shelter Information Centre (JITSIC)
is an international initiative to identify and curb tax avoidance
and shelters and those who promote and invest in them. Tax
avoidance has a detrimental effect on the economies of all
countries, depriving them of vital resources whilst promoting
complexity and inequity within the tax system.
JITSIC recognises that international tax avoidance can only be
tackled effectively through international co-operation.
The State Administration of Taxation (SAT) of China is sending a
representative to JITSIC's London office, hosted by HM
Revenue & Customs (HMRC), to observe the activities and
improve international co-operation.
Welcoming the SAT observer to JITSIC, HMRC Acting CEO Dave
Hartnett, said:
"The arrival of an SAT observer to work with JITSIC is a
very welcome development. JITSIC identifies and tackles complex
challenges to the integrity of members' tax systems. This
calls for an internationally co-ordinated response and that is
exactly what JITSIC delivers."
Details
1. JITSIC is a collaborative venture, established in 2004 by
the tax administrations of Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom
and the United States.
2. JITSIC is co-located in London and Washington, and staff in
the two locations work together as a single office.
3. JITSIC London, hosted by the UK's HM Revenue &
Customs, is hosting an observer from China, for 3 months from
September 2008.
4. Other delegates in London represent Australia, Japan and USA.
Notes for editors
1. JITSIC was established in 2004 by the tax administrations
of Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States, to
supplement the ongoing work of the Australian Taxation Office, the
Canada Revenue Agency, HM Revenue & Customs, and the Internal
Revenue Service in identifying and curbing tax avoidance and
shelters and those who promote them and invest in them.
2. The first office is located in Washington DC. The London
office was opened 10 September 2007.
3. All delegates exchange information on abusive tax schemes,
their promoters and investors, consistent with the provisions of
bilateral tax conventions.
4. As an observer, the SAT representative will participate in
activities within the JITSIC office. Their work will be
consistent with the provisions of bilateral double taxation treaties.
Issued by HM Revenue & Customs Press Office
Website http://www.hmrc.gov.uk