Samoa Upgrades its $5M Tax Invoice Monitoring System

By Esther Yvonne Atonio/

Apia, SAMOA – 13 May 2026: The Ministry of Customs and Revenue (MCR) has upgraded its Tax Invoice Monitoring System (TIMS) that monitors taxes revenue collection in Samoa.

The system is operated by the Data Tech International (DTI), a software development company based in Belgrade, Serbia, in partnership with the Ministry of Customs and Revenue.

The system aims at enhancing Samoa’s tax monitoring and compliance efforts to include all companies and businesses in Samoa to be registered under TIMS.

Together with the upgrade, the Ministry conducted a refresher course from 30 April to 7 May 2026 for all companies and businesses that are registered under TIMS.

Cabinet last week approved the upgrade and continuation of TIMS which was introduced at a cost of $1.14 million euros, which is approximately ST$5million.

Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt said TIMS service is to ensure that all taxes are properly collected and documented.

He said that since its introduction, there have been positive changes in the economy such as increasing Government revenue through improved tax payments, contributing to economic growth and stability.

The system also tracks how much MCR collects and keeps detailed records of the exact amount that taxpayers and business owners owe to the Government, helping ensure accurate tax payments.

La’auli added that, based on research conducted by the Government, there are issues that need to be addressed. He explained that some business owners do not follow the law and guidelines meant to regulate their activities.

He also urged customers to always ask for receipts after paying for goods. He emphasized that this helps ensure the correct pricing of products and that accurate records are obtained by MCR for taxation purposes.