Tax Inspectors Without Borders (TIWB) is a joint OECD-UNDP initiative and is at the forefront of efforts to build tax audit capacities in developing countries. As a result of these initiatives, more countries are collaborating to close tax loopholes, improve transparency and ensure that multinational enterprises pay tax where they operate. There are at least 149 countries and jurisdictions committed to the Global Forums standards, transparency and exchange of information. Implementation continues on measures to reduce tax avoidance by multinational enterprises under the G20/OECD Base Erosion And Profit Sharing project in 113 countries and jurisdictions.

This progress is bearing fruit, with billions in additional dollars of tax revenue resulting from voluntary compliance mechanisms and off-shore investigations. This additional revenue can help countries to mobilise more resources domestically in support of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals – resources that are very much needed. While there is considerable positive momentum, last year’s Panama Papers revelations also remind us that much more can be done to tackle tax avoidance and evasion. Work on the international tax agenda has become more inclusive in recent years and has demonstrated the power of multilateral co-operation to deliver global solutions to global problems. Continued political leadership and advocacy will be vital. In parallel, countries also need the knowledge, tools and capabilities to effectively engage on international tax issues. In many developing countries, these technical skills are lacking. This is where TIWB comes in.

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