Assistant Professor Dr. Hussein Omran Naji Al-Rifai, a certified public accountant, financial auditor, and Director of the Administrative and Financial Affairs Department, participated in the first panel discussion on tax reform. The event brought together a distinguished group of professors and specialists in accounting, taxation, and financial management.

Discussion Topics

The panel discussion addressed key issues related to Iraq’s tax system, including:

• Financial and administrative corruption, tax evasion, and their impact on the national economy.
• Tax legislation and the need for updates to align with economic developments.
• Training General Tax Authority employees on financial reporting in accordance with international accounting standards to enhance transparency and financial accuracy.
• The role of self-assessment in tax calculation and determining profits based on financial data provided by companies and institutions.

Key Recommendations from the Discussion

The participants reached several important recommendations, including:

1. Expanding the financial auditor’s report to cover all sections of the balance sheet, enhancing transparency and financial oversight.
2. Strengthening tax collection mechanisms by implementing advanced accounting systems that comply with international standards.
3. Reviewing and updating tax laws to ensure tax fairness and reduce tax evasion.
4. Launching continuous training programs for General Tax Authority employees to improve financial reporting based on the latest standards.

Attendance of Prominent Academic Figures

The panel discussion featured the participation of several distinguished academic and administrative figures, including:

• Dr. Abdul Hussein Al-Anbaki – Chairman of the Supreme Committee for Tax Reform.
• Dr. Ali Ghalib – President of the Iraqi Association of Certified Accountants.
• Dr. Jawad Al-Shehaily – President of the Accountants Syndicate and Chairman of the Arab Federation of Accountants and Auditors.

The Significance of the Event in Strengthening Tax Reform

This panel discussion is part of ongoing efforts to enhance tax reforms in Iraq. It aims to build a more efficient and transparent financial system that supports economic development and reduces financial and administrative corruption. Additionally, it represents a significant step in fostering collaboration between governmental, academic, and professional institutions to achieve comprehensive and sustainable tax reform.