Building a positive relationship with taxpayers: Five minutes with Georgia’s head of tax policy
Marine Khurtsidze, the head of the Tax and Customs Policy Department in Georgia’s Ministry of Finance, recently shared insights from her career and experiences at the Global Government Finance Summit in Dublin. In this interview, she highlighted the importance of making tax processes less burdensome for individuals and businesses.
At the summit, Khurtsidze expressed her interest in discussing topics related to simplifying tax procedures and enhancing taxpayer compliance. She emphasized the need to adopt approaches that foster positive relationships between tax authorities and taxpayers.
One of Khurtsidze’s proudest career achievements is gaining recognition in the international tax arena. She credits her success to leading by example and being passionate about public service. Her advice to those entering the civil service is to maintain a strong belief in the impact of their work on the country’s future.
Khurtsidze draws inspiration from the Dutch tax administration’s approach to taxpayer engagement. She commended the organization for respecting taxpayers’ perspectives and fostering dialogue to promote compliance. The friendly and informative interactions with taxpayers in the Netherlands have influenced her strategy for building positive cooperation with taxpayers in Georgia.
In terms of valuable insights to share with peers overseas, Khurtsidze highlighted Georgia’s digital transformation initiatives within the tax administration. She believes that these reforms can serve as a model for innovation in tax processes and services internationally.
When asked about her favorite aspects of working in the civil service, Khurtsidze mentioned the opportunity to lead impactful reforms that benefit the country. She values honesty, a good personality, and a sense of humor in individuals, and enjoys spending weekends with her daughter.
Khurtsidze’s experience and dedication to improving tax policies in Georgia offer valuable lessons for tax professionals worldwide. By prioritizing positive relationships with taxpayers and embracing innovative approaches, tax authorities can enhance compliance and foster trust among stakeholders.
