MIRA strengthens audit and investigation procedures, granting Commissioner General extensive powers to access tax-related information
31 އޯގަސްޓު 2026 | ހޯމަ 18:25Recent amendments to the Tax Administration Act have strengthened the auditing and investigative procedures of the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA), granting the Commissioner General extensive powers to obtain tax-related information. Furthermore, the revised law establishes formal codes of conduct for members of the Tax Appeal Tribunal and introduces a framework for imposing substantial fines on those who fail to comply with international standards.
President signs fourth amendment to the Tax Administration Act. | Presidents Office
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has on Monday ratified the Fourth Amendment to the Tax Administration Act (Law No. 3/2010), significantly strengthening the audit and investigative procedures of the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) and granting extensive powers to the Commissioner General of Taxation to obtain tax-related information. The President signed the bill into law during a special ceremony held at the President's Office on Monday afternoon.
This bill was passed by the People's Majlis during the 28th sitting of its second session of 2026, held on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.
The amendment revises and strengthens the administrative powers of the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA), specifically enhancing the procedures for conducting audits and investigations. It also reinforces the authority’s legal mandate to recover outstanding tax revenues. Under the revised law, the Commissioner General of Taxation is now empowered to require any party in possession of information necessary for the enforcement of tax legislation to submit such data to MIRA.
Furthermore, the amendments to the law define additional tax-related offenses and their corresponding penalties. The revisions also outline the factors and information the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) will consider when determining a taxpayer's liability. The amendments further specify the measures to be taken against those who fail to file tax returns and the deadlines for submission. Additionally, the legislation grants the Commissioner General of Taxation the authority to allow penalized parties to settle their dues through installment plans, while establishing the procedures for such arrangements.
Furthermore, the legislative amendments have strengthened the framework for conducting joint tax examinations with international agencies, as well as the implementation of Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting and Common Reporting Standard (CRS) protocols. The amendments also introduce penalties for non-compliance with CRS obligations, with fines reaching up to MVR 250,000.
Under this amendment, Tax Appeal Tribunal members are now legally mandated to adhere to prescribed codes of conduct and disclose their financial statements in accordance with the standards set by the Auditor General.
The amendment also specifies the statutes of limitations for filing civil and criminal charges under this Act.
Following the passage of this amendment, its ratification by the President, and subsequent publication in the Government Gazette, the fourth amendment to Law No. 3/2010 (Tax Administration Act) has now officially come into effect.
