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 focused on key issues related to Iraq’s tax system, including:

• Financial and administrative corruption, tax evasion, and their impact on the national economy.
• Laws and regulations governing the work of the General Tax Authority and the need for updates in line with economic developments.
• Training General Tax Authority employees on preparing financial reports according to international accounting standards to enhance transparency and accuracy in financial assessments.
• The role of self-assessment in tax calculation and how to recognize profits based on financial statements submitted by companies and institutions.

Key Recommendations from the Discussion

Participants concluded the discussion with several important recommendations, including:

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

Attendance of Prominent Academic Figures

The panel discussion was attended by 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.

Significance of the Event in Promoting Tax Reform

This event is part of ongoing efforts to enhance tax reforms in Iraq, aiming to create a more efficient and transparent financial system that supports economic development and reduces opportunities for financial and administrative corruption. The panel discussion represents a significant step in fostering collaboration between governmental, academic, and professional institutions to achieve comprehensive tax reform objectives.