General Assembly 2015

The Netherlands Tax and Customs Administration (NTCA) is honoured and proud to welcome the Heads of the Tax Administrations of the IOTA members to the 19^th General Assembly of IOTA in Rotterdam, 2 – 3 July 2015.

Rotterdam is the second-largest city in the Netherlands and one of the largest seaports in the World and known for its modern architecture and noticeable skyline. The Erasmus Bridge - a 790 meter cable stayed bridge linking the northern and southern part of Rotterdam - is an eye-catcher in the city centre and for that reason in our GA2015 logo.

In line with the modern style of Rotterdam, delegates will be offered an innovative and interactive 19^th General Assembly. An innovative tool, GA2015 Rotterdam App, will be used to support throughout the event informing delegates about the logistics and the content of the Assembly's programme and enabling to participate in an interactive and attractive way. The GA2015 Rotterdam App will be available in your app store (IOS, Android and Windows) from the beginning of June.

The main theme of the 19^th General Assembly - Self-Service for Tax Compliance - will highlight the opportunities and benefits provided by the increase in use of digital self-service channels and the positive impact this will have on overall tax compliance through using seamless services where there is little or no need for the taxpayer to interact with the tax administration.

Another novelty is the so-called “24 hours incubator challenge” which is organised at the same time and in addition to the General Assembly. Five teams, consisting of experts from IOTA member tax administrations, with an open mind set, out-of-the-box thinking and creativity capacities, will compete to come up with the best and most original idea regarding an innovative subject in relation to tax administrations daily work. Delegates will be able to follow the challenge interactively through the GA2015 Rotterdam App and will be asked to vote for the best idea, at the end of the Assembly.

During the course of the General Assembly, IOTA members will also discuss statutory issues, such as the work programme and the budget for 2016 and they will make important decisions on the future role and development of the Organisation. Moreover, members will elect the new President, the members of the Executive Council, the Internal Auditors and a new Executive Secretary.