IOTA Digital Workshop on Systems Integration: A Game Changer for taxpayer Engagement with Tax Administration
On 30 September – 1 October 2026, IOTA held a Digital Workshop on “Systems Integration: a Game Changer for Taxpayer Engagement with Tax Administration.” The two-day event explored how integrated systems, interoperability and effective data exchange can support tax compliance, improve taxpayer services and strengthen the efficiency of tax administrations.
The Workshop brought together expert contributions from IOTA member tax administrations of Australia, Finland, Italy, Romania and Sweden, international partner organisation - Inter-American Center of Tax Administrations (CIAT), and provider companies - Vertex, Fast Enterprises, and Sovos, offering participants the opportunity to exchange experiences and examine practical approaches to systems integration.
Exploring the opportunities of digital integration
The first day focused on the strategic foundations and opportunities of systems integration. Eveliina Hannula from Finland and Magdalena Grădinaru and Albert Fruth from Romania shared insights regarding interoperable standardised data and tax-relevant data reporting systems. Loren Rose of Fast Enterprises and Chris Hall and Ellen van Daal of Vertex, Inc., also explored the role of integrated systems automation, and digital infrastructure in supporting continuous modernisation, and how to move towards “data-driven compliance”. A panel discussion examined how systems integration could improve the taxpayer journey, reduce administrative burdens, enhance data availability and enable new service models.
Addressing technological, policy and data management challenges
The second day turned to the technological, legislative and operational requirements for implementing interconnected systems. Kelly Collins from the Australian Taxation Office presented on interoperable architecture, APIs, trusted data and operational readiness. Further presentations addressed regulation in the real-time economy, the pivotal Rules as Code principle and systems integration in Brazil’s VAT tax reform, with contributions from Anna Nordén from Sovos, Tomas Algotsson from the Swedish Tax Agency, and Vinicius Pimentel de Freitas from CIAT. The programme also explored the role of data management in supporting seamless operations and taxpayer services. Carlo Ferraioli from the Italian Revenue Agency shared insights into leveraging payment data to simplify tax compliance.
Sharing experiences and identifying future opportunities
Throughout the Workshop, presentations, Q&A sessions, and interactive discussions gave participants opportunities to exchange practical experiences and reflect on the opportunities and challenges of systems integration. The closing session focused on key takeaways, cooperation needs and potential follow-up areas for IOTA members. The event highlighted the potential of systems integration to support more efficient tax administration operations, reduce friction in tax compliance and foster more seamless interactions between tax administrations and taxpayers.
All materials, presentations, and video recordings will be made available soon on the event's webpage. The Workshop was facilitated by IOTA International Taxation Experts Elena Timofte, Massimo Morarelli and Alexandros Roukalis.
