The Tax Council has launched a new modernisation initiative, "Transformation 2027", aimed at strengthening its role and improving the administration of tax dispute resolution in Cyprus.
The initiative was formally presented during a conference held on 9 October 2026 at the Presidential Palace, under the auspices of the President of the Republic.
Strategic plan for 2026-2030
According to an official announcement, the programme forms part of the Council's 2026-2030 Strategic Plan and represents the first step in a broader process of institutional reform.
The objective is to enhance the Council's ability to respond to the evolving demands of tax administration, the needs of citizens and businesses, and developments at the European level.
The conference brought together representatives of the executive and legislative branches, the judiciary, the Legal Service, the Tax Department, the legal and accounting professions, the business community and academia.
Focus on tax justice
Opening remarks were delivered by:
- Irene Piki, Deputy Minister to the President.
- Irene Poyiatzi, Commissioner for Administration and Human Rights.
- Nikolas Koursaris, President of the Nicosia Bar Association.
- Makis Georgiou, President of the Tax Council.
Speakers highlighted the importance of maintaining an independent, effective and credible mechanism for the administrative review of tax disputes.
Participants were also presented with the current tax justice framework, covering procedures from tax assessments and objections to administrative appeals, together with timelines, competencies and powers.
Digital tools and institutional reform
A key part of the conference focused on the Council's strategic plan for 2026-2030.
Proposed reforms include:
- Institutional and organisational changes.
- Greater use of digital technologies.
- Improved operational efficiency.
- Higher-quality services.
- Better use of the Council's expertise to support both taxpayers and tax authorities.
Lessons from Ireland and Portugal
International perspectives were provided through online presentations by:
- Marie-Claire Maney, President of Ireland's Tax Appeals Commission.
- Tania Carvalhais Pereira, Chief Prosecutor at Portugal's Centre for Administrative Arbitration (CAAD).
The presentations highlighted practices designed to accelerate tax dispute resolution, improve transparency, expand the use of technology and strengthen public trust in institutions.
Four priorities identified
During the concluding discussion, parliamentarians Fotini Tsiridou, chair of the House Legal Affairs Committee, and Christiana Erotokritou, chair of the House Finance Committee, stressed the importance of legislative support and institutional cooperation.
The conference identified four common priorities:
- Institutional independence.
- Faster administrative resolution of tax disputes.
- Greater use of digital technology.
- Continuous monitoring of European developments in tax justice.
Next steps
Tax Council President Makis Georgiou said the organisation was entering a new chapter.
"With 'Transformation 2027' we aim to strengthen the institution by drawing on its experience, European best practices and the opportunities offered by the digital era, so that it can better serve citizens, the economy and a modern tax administration."
The Tax Council will review proposals submitted during the conference over the coming months as part of the implementation of the programme.
The ultimate goal, according to the announcement, is to create a modern, efficient and reliable framework for the administrative resolution of tax disputes in Cyprus, drawing on international experience and European best practice.
Source: CNA
