Press Release No. 14/422

Press Release: IMF’s Middle East Regional Technical Assistance Center Concludes Study Tour on VAT Implementation for the Afghanistan Revenue Department

September 12, 2014

The International Monetary Fund (IMF)‘s Middle East Regional Technical Assistance Center (METAC), in conjunction with the Lebanon Value Added Tax (VAT) Directorate, hosted a study tour on VAT Implementation in Beirut, Lebanon from September 8-12, 2014, for the Afghanistan Revenue Department (ARD). A total of 23 delegates from Afghanistan participated, including management and technical staff who will be responsible for introducing the tax later this year.

The program included a broad range of VAT implementation issues such as communication and taxpayer readiness, registration and compliance management and automated systems, as well as examining potential problems in the transitional phase.

The presentation team included senior personnel involved in the 2002 VAT launch in Lebanon. The team shared its valuable experience and personal insight with Afghan counterparts.

Following the study tour, METAC is continuing to actively engage with the ARD to identify additional inputs that can support the successful introduction of this important new revenue instrument.

Quick links:

Press Release No. 04/224: Inauguration of the Middle East Regional Technical Assistance Center (METAC)

Factsheet: IMF Technical Assistance

Factsheet: IMF Regional Technical Assistance Centers