The Department of Revenue and Customs plans to replace the outdated Revenue Administration Management Information System, RAMIS, with a new system that enhances taxpayer services with an improved interface. To develop the new Bhutan Integrated Taxation System (BITS), the department signed a contract today with New Zealand’s Data Torque Limited in the capital. The new system will also integrate with other government systems.
The BITS initiative is part of the Department of Revenue and Customs’ efforts to modernise Bhutan’s tax system.
The project aims to expand the taxpayer base, boost resource mobilisation, and improve the quality of taxpayer services.
A key component of BITS will be the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax, GST, which has faced delays for years.
Kuenzang Thinley, Commissioner of BITS and GST Project said “BITS will first allow us to implement the long-overdue GST. Beyond that, it will enhance taxpayer services and broaden our revenue base, aiding in better internal resource mobilisation.”
The Nu 1bn BITS project will be rolled out in three phases over the next five years.
The first phase, focusing on the GST, is set to launch within 12 months.
This will be followed by the rollout of the non-tax and tax-deducted at-source (TDS) components within six months.
The final phase, addressing direct taxes, is scheduled for implementation within 12 months after the non-tax and TDS rollout.
Key features of BITS will include real-time data processing, automated tax filing, e-invoicing, and a user-friendly interface.
These enhancements are designed to replace the outdated RAMIS with more effective tools for tax administration.
Bill Chatwin, Managing Director of Data Torque Limited said “Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for taxpayers to file and pay on time, minimising disruption to their businesses. We aim to simplify the process so they can focus on running their operations without hassle.”
Officials from the department said that the first two months following today’s signing will be dedicated to the planning phase, after which the actual work on the project will commence.
Karma Samten Wangda
Edited by Sherub Dorji
