BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, February 14, 2024 – The Inland Revenue Department (IRD), guided by the Ministry of Finance, proudly announces the official launch of SMARTS (Sustainable Modernized Administrative Revenue Tax System), marking a monumental leap forward in tax administration for the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.
SMARTS represents the culmination of years of dedicated effort aimed at simplifying tax compliance, enhancing operational efficiency, and fostering transparency and trust between taxpayers and the government. This state-of-the-art digital platform is designed to make tax filings simpler, faster, and more accessible for all citizens.
With the introduction of SMARTS, taxpayers can now benefit from a range of features including online filing, immediate access to tax information and transactions, and digital proof of compliance. This transition to a digital platform is a pivotal step towards improving taxpayer satisfaction and contributing to the ease of doing business in our Federation.
The implementation of SMARTS is being rolled out in phases, with the initial go-live focusing on taxes such as Value Added Tax, Corporation Income Tax, Unincorporated Business Tax, Business and Occupation Licenses, and Liquor Licenses. Property Taxes and Stamp Duty will become active on SMARTS later in March 2024, followed by all other taxes, including motor driver licenses, in August 2024.
SMARTS has been designed to be fully scalable and robust, capable of supporting the digital collection of all government fees and charges. Furthermore, in collaboration with the Customs & Excise Department and the Police Department, enhancements to the existing vehicle registration system are underway to facilitate a seamless vehicle registration and renewal process through SMARTS, with an expected go-live date of August 2024.
The launch of SMARTS underscores the commitment of the Inland Revenue Department and the Ministry of Finance to embrace innovation and continuous improvement in tax administration. As we embark on this new chapter, we remain dedicated to listening, learning, and adapting to ensure that our tax administration system remains responsive to the needs of our citizens and the demands of a dynamic global economy.
We extend our deepest gratitude to all stakeholders involved in this project, including the project team, testers, project steering committee, IRD management team, and our partners Bearing Point & C2D Teams. We also assure taxpayers that dedicated customer support is available to assist with navigating the new system.
The launch event for SMARTS witnessed a gathering of esteemed individuals, including the Financial Secretary, Mrs. Hillary Hazel, who lauded the Inland Revenue Department for its pioneering initiative and urged a commitment to staying ahead in service delivery and technological innovation.
Mrs. Hazel commended the IRD for the introduction of SMARTS, recognizing its potential to revolutionize tax administration in the Federation. She emphasized the importance of continually striving for excellence, challenging the IRD to maintain its position at the forefront of innovation in service delivery and technological advancement.
Additionally, Mr. Hazel extended a challenge to Bearing Point, emphasizing the importance of unwavering support beyond the launch date. She underscored the critical role of partners like Bearing Point in ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of SMARTS.
The ceremony, meticulously organized by Patrice Wilson, ensured a seamless and impactful event, further highlighting the commitment of the organizers to the success of SMARTS. Representatives from the St. Kitts Information Service (SKNIS) were also in attendance, underscoring the significance of this milestone event in the Federation’s journey towards digital transformation and enhanced service delivery.
The program was chaired by O’Denn Blanchette, ensuring every detail was carefully orchestrated for maximum impact. The feature address was presented by the Comptroller of Inland Revenue, further emphasizing the strategic importance of SMARTS in shaping the future of tax administration in St. Kitts and Nevis.
As the Federation embraces this new era of digital governance, the Inland Revenue Department remains committed to driving innovation, enhancing efficiency, and delivering exceptional service to its citizens.
The Inland Revenue Department, Building our Nation Through Responsible Tax Administration
St. Kitts and Nevis Inland Revenue Department, Bay Road, Basseterre, St. Kitts
Bay Road, Basseterre, St. Kitts, Tel: (869) 465-8485, Exts: 3402/3410
Main Street, Charlestown, Nevis, Tel: (869) 469-5856, Exts: 6018/6027
Email: inlandrevenue@ird.gov.kn
Website: www.sknird.com
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The Inland Revenue Department is charged with administering the tax laws of the Federation in an efficient and equitable manner, to promote voluntary compliance to maximize Revenue for the development of the Federation at the least cost to the public and in a manner that warrants the highest degree of Public confidence in our integrity, efficiency and fairness. The Inland Revenue Department is the prime revenue collections agency for the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis within the Ministry of Finance, located at Bay Road, Basseterre, and Charlestown, St. Kitts and Nevis, West Indies.