[THREAD] This is big, and I’ll try to unpack it. PM @masrour_barzani announces that internal revenues, i.e. non-oil and gas, have more than doubled since taking office in July 2019. https://www.rudaw.net/sorani/kurdistan/0207202016

In August, PM signed a decree ending all tax exemptions to businesses and individuals. It also reverses all illegal exemptions. Since its introduction, tax revenues have more than doubled, with companies making up more than half of the revenue.

No more exemptions: that’s the guiding principle. Yes, this touches the biggest and powerful businesses too: everyone must pay. Earlier this year, when a bank tested our resolve, padlocks were put on the doors and staff sent home. They were removed when ALL taxes were settled.

The cabinet has also renegotiated many service delivery contracts — to the govt and our citizens, and put an end to payment waivers (via wasta) for public service fees. If you owe the KRG money, you must pay. The govt’s is also reviewing all contracts at all border crossings.

July’s a big month, with announcements in the pipeline. PM’s goal remains clear: by the end of the term internal revenues ought to meet oil/gas income. We’re on schedule, and the structure (finally) reorganised in a way that serves the public; coronavirus is a temporary setback.

Our tax system will move online to http://GOV.KRD  to provide transparency (to the public and donors) and make it easier for individuals/businesses to settle payments. This project — expected by end of this year, will bring greater certainty to our public finances.

When PM @masrour_barzani took office in July 2019, internal revenues stood at $120m/month — highest then. By February, it had grown steadily, achieving new record of approx $250m. In March-May, lockdown measures in Kurdistan, Iraq and beyond triggered freefall to double digits.