Finance Minister Constantinos Petrides on Wednesday said it was very important to increase the tax department’s efficiency, citing its role as a source of funding for the state’s development projects and social policies.

During a visit to the Nicosia district Tax Office, Petrides was briefed about the problems faced and discussed ways to further increase its efficiency, combat tax evasion and better serve the public. The minister said the aim was more modern, integrated procedures, for everyone’s benefit.

Speaking to the staff, Petrides stressed that this is one of the most important departments of the government, as it is a source of funding for all development and social state policies.

Discussion was focused on the need to increase on-the-spot checks to combat tax evasion and upgrade the department’s services. Petrides stressed that increasing the department’s efficiency, both for the collection of taxes and for the service of the public, was of utmost importance.

He also referred to the scheduled reform of the tax department that includes, among other things, the introduction of a new single telephone number and better service to the public. The minister also said a schedule has been set for the handling of overdue cases which, with further staffing, are expected to contribute the most to the department’s upgrade.