Most governments have responded to the COVID-19 crisis with a wide range of tax policy and administration measures, ranging from deferrals and tax filing and payment extensions, to reductions in tax rates and increased allowances or credits. At the same time, revenue authorities have the challenge of safeguarding revenue collection to ensure sufficient financing for increased government spending programs. Further, the crisis may provide important opportunities for steering the revenue system in a new desirable direction, beyond the immediate crisis response.

Revenue authorities therefore have to find answers to important questions. What temporary and permanent revenue policy measures are recommended? How can revenue authorities support government COVID-19 crisis responses, safeguard tax revenue and tackle compliance issues? How can staff and taxpayers be protected while the operation of the revenue system is maintained? How can the transition back to a normal functioning of the revenue system be managed? And what are policy options available to emerging economies?

The webinar is the fifth of a series focusing on the recent IMF special series on fiscal policies to respond to the COVID-19 challenges.