The Inter-American Center of Tax Administrations announces the “Fourth CIAT Contest on Innovation in the Tax Administrations”. Entries may be sent until November 30, 2011.

The purpose of this annual contest is to recognize and promote improvement and creativity in the tax administrations. It constitutes concrete evidence of the effect of innovation on their performance that ultimately results in greater public trust.

By highlighting exemplary ways of innovative performance of the tax administrations, the Program acts as a catalyst in continuous improvement for satisfying the constant demand faced by tax administrations of finding new and better ways for achieving their institutional objectives.

There will be awards for the best three innovations. The implementation of new practices in the tax administrations, especially after they reach greater levels of maturity, take into account varied aspects and frequently these practices contribute to improve efficiency, effectiveness and transparency in management.

To this end, innovation will be defined as a new process that may change or improve an existing one, and may cause a significant impact on the tax administration. An innovation may be large or small, originating a totally new process. Or simply, implement changes in an already established process, provided this change may have a significant impact that may be measured in qualitative or quantitative terms.

The 2012 awards will be announced and presented at the General Assembly in Santiago, Chile.

For further information, tax administrations may access the Contest Rules.