Majlis approves members to MIRA, Tax Appeal Tribunal

The People’s Majlis has approved to appoint four board members to the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) and one to the Tax Appeal Tribunal.

While two individuals had applied for the vacancy for a member with the expertise on taxation laws, parliament approved to appoint Mohamed Munavvar Ali, with the votes from 65 members, at Tuesday’s sitting.

Although Sheereen Nahidha Ali had also applied for the vacancy, a poll was not taken as Munavvar received a majority of votes.

Tasked with the responsibility of arbitrating matters related to the Tax Administration Act and other taxation laws, the Tax Appeal Tribunal comprises of five members. The president appoints members to the tribunal with the approval from the People’s Majlis.

Under Article 56 of the Tax Administration Act, the president “with the approval of the People’s Majlis shall appoint members to the Tribunal. The president shall appoint members approved by the People’s Majlis, after having sent the names of all of the applicants for membership of the Tribunal acquired by means of a public announcement, to the People’s Majlis.”

Further parliament also approved to appoint four board members to MIRA.

65 members voted to appoint Mumtaz Abdul Rasheed and Leena Mohamed Zahir Hussain. Further, 66 members voted to appoint Husham Waheed and Aishath Aasha Ali.

Ali Irufan, who also applied for the post, did not get parliament approval.

MIRA’s board consists of seven members including one appointed by the Finance Minister, five appointed by the president and the Commissioner General of Taxation.

While the Finance Ministry has the power to appoint a chairperson to MIRA, the post is filled by Chief Finance Budget Executive Ahmed Sarvash Adam.