Heads of Tax Administrations from 38 countries met last month in Dublin.

According to their meeting communiqué the Commissioners acknowledged their need to work more closely, share knowledge and co-ordinate their actions to effectively deal with tax administration aspects of the BEPS work. They also agreed to the following:

• A strategy for systematic and enhanced co-operation between tax administrations. In order to focus on cross border tax avoidance a platform called “JITSIC” (Joint International Tax Shelter Information and Collaboration) was created.
• Invest necessary resources to implement the new standard on the automatic exchange of information and use this as a means to counter tax evasion.
• Improve the practical operation of the Mutual Agreement Procedure which should see double taxation issues dealt with more quickly and efficiently

It would appear that countering tax evasion via greater co-operation, developing a strong compliance culture and increasing efficiencies in tax administration were the key messages coming from the meeting.