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Proven system of checks and controls to protect
taxpayers' information
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The Inland Revenue Department
attached great importance to the protection of taxpayers' information,
which was essential to the integrity of Hong Kong's taxation system,
the Acting Commissioner of Inland Revenue, Mr Tam Kuen-chong, said.
He was speaking in response to press
enquiries on a Taxation Officer of the Inland Revenue Department
being charged by the ICAC today (July 18) for alleged misconduct
in public office by recording particulars of taxpayers for future
personal use.
"The department has in place
a proven system of internal checks and controls to ensure proper
use of taxpayers' information." Mr Tam said.
Since 1999, a logging mechanism had
been put in place to randomly select and log on-line enquiries for
review check in order to ensure that officers make enquiries only
in the course of discharging their duties.
"We also regularly review the
system with a view to enhancing the effectiveness of the system."
he said.
Mr Tam reiterated that the department
had adopted a zero tolerance policy for acts in violation of integrity
and improper handling of taxpayers' information.
Perpetrators of minor offences would
be subject to verbal or written warnings while those of major offences
would be subject to disciplinary action.
"In the event of criminal offences,
the case will be referred to the relevant law enforcement authorities,
that is , the Independent Commission Against Corruption and the
Hong Kong Police Force." he said.
Mr Tam stressed that officers of
the department were authorised to access taxpayers' information
only in the performance of their duties.
"Any unauthorised access to
or use of taxpayers' information is also an offence under the Crimes
Ordinance or the Common Law." he said.
The department has issued clear guidelines
on the security and handling of departmental records.
"As a general rule, officers
are not permitted to take taxpayers' or other departmental files
or records out of the office unless it is necessary for them to
do so in the performance of their duties." Mr Tam said.
Ends/Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Issued at HKT 18:03
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