CATA sponsors up to six training programmes each year in Commonwealth countries worldwide. Most comprise internet (e-learning) as well as residential phases and are provided by our member tax administrations.
Taxation of International Transactions (TOIT) Programme
This highly praised annual programme for senior and middle-level tax officials has been hosted by the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia since 1996. Its purpose is to broaden and deepen participant's understanding of the rules of international taxation, especially tax treaties, by considering their application in interaction with domestic tax law and to commercial transactions which involve flows of funds across international frontiers.
Following a restructure of TOIT in 2018, the programme is now made up of two workshops; one focusing on treaty related issues and the other on transfer pricing. The week-long workshops are held back-to-back to allow member countries to send different officers to each. Where appropriate, member countries may send the same officers for both workshops. In this way, countries can select the most appropriate officers to attend each one. Having this arrangement also allows member countries to minimise the travelling cost if the same participants are considered appropriate to attend both workshops.
Malaysia continues to host the programme and to provide free accommodation to the participants at the Malaysian Tax Academy. Meals and ground transportation are also provided.
Senior Leadership Programme (SLP)
The CATA Senior Leadership Programme (CATA SLP) is a unique opportunity for senior leaders in tax administrations to develop the leadership skills required to navigate their organisations in a dynamic and complex landscape.
In 2023 to 2024, the CATA SLP combines residential phases in Barbados and the UK, virtual sessions, and work within your tax administration.
The programme offers a multi-disciplinary approach to learning in a highly interactive and engaging environment. Led by experts in leadership development, the programme will include input from senior leaders and subject-matter experts from the UK’s HMRC and other organisations. The programme is further enriched by delegates contributing their diverse experience and expertise. Delegates will have the opportunity to build their network and continue sharing knowledge and best practice after the programme through the CATA SLP Alumni Network.
International Seminar on Modern Techniques of Investigation and Intelligence Gathering
The annual programme is organised by National Academy of Direct Taxes, Nagpur, India. The programme deliberates upon various tools and techniques in intelligence gathering and techniques of investigation in different sectors. It will share insights on intelligence gathering from the perspective of allied agencies such as Enforcement Directorate of India. It will also provide inputs on digital forensics techniques in intelligence gathering and investigation and share knowledge on Financial investigation in accounting data. The programme will also provide a forum for discussion on country specific issues and deliberations thereupon.
The accommodation and food arrangements for the participants will be done inside the National Academy of Direct Taxes (NADT) campus. The charges for accommodation and food will be borne by NADT.
Commonwealth Tax Auditors Course
This very successful course for compliance and audit staff (previously known as the Commonwealth Tax Inspectors Course) is provided on behalf of CATA by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs. In years to 2017 the course has begun in April with essential preparatory learning conducted by email with the course director, but centred on an intensive six-week residential period in the UK from the end of July to the beginning of September.
The course is currently being redesigned and details of the new arrangements will be announced in due course.