More powers to IRAS on disclosure of taxpayer information to government agencies

Whilst taxpayers may appreciate the Government’s intent in this data-driven policy making approach, it is inevitable that taxpayers would have concerns around the expanded powers given to the IRAS that could affect its ability to preserve taxpayers’ rights to secrecy and confidentiality. This is especially given the IRAS may be privy to documents containing trade secrets and sensitive commercial information. It is hoped that the IRAS will address taxpayers’ concerns by being transparent about:

• the specific purpose for which the information will be used
• the scope and type of information that may be shared
• the safeguards and related protocols that will be put in place to prevent any unintended cyber-leak of confidential information or information being shared out of context

Notwithstanding the fact that certain safeguards would be maintained when the data is ingested by the public agencies, this alone may not fully eliminate taxpayers’ concerns. Open consultation with taxpayers to gather feedback on the acceptable parameters around those information which may be shared and those which must not would go a long way towards maintaining taxpayers’ confidence in the IRAS’ commitment to protecting taxpayer confidentiality.