The future of tax administration: We’re heading to ADB’s digital transformation conference

The landscape of tax administration is evolving rapidly, accelerated by digital technology.

To explore, analyse and advance the trend of tax digitalisation, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Digital Economy Taxation Network are bringing together some of the most experienced and globally-recognised experts for the highly-anticipated Digital Transformation in the Tax Area: Shaping the Future of Compliance and Governance conference.

Due to take place on 20-21st February 2025 at ADB headquarters in Manila, Philippines, the event will bring together international experts, policymakers, business leaders, and academics to discuss how digital technologies are shaping tax administration worldwide.

That’s why we’re incredibly excited to announce that our founder and Global Solutions Architect, Andrew Bohnet, has been invited to take part as an expert panellist for two sessions: ‘Enhancing VAT/GST administration in the digital age: innovations and best practices’ and ‘Envisioning the future of tax administration: what will the next decade bring?’.

These discussions will focus on key challenges and opportunities in tax digitalisation, covering topics such as artificial intelligence (AI), global cooperation in taxation, and the ethical implications of emerging technologies.

The role of the Asian Development Bank (ADB)

The ADB is an institution dedicated to fostering economic growth and reducing poverty across Asia and the Pacific. Established in 1966, the ADB supports its member countries through financial assistance, policy guidance, and technical expertise.

One of ADB’s key focus areas is strengthening governance and institutional capacity, particularly in financial management and taxation.

Digital transformation in tax administration is a core component of this mission, as it enables governments to enhance revenue collection, reduce tax evasion, and foster economic stability.

Through initiatives like this conference, ADB provides a platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and the development of innovative solutions to address tax-related challenges in the digital era.

The importance of digital transformation in tax administration

The rise of digital technologies has revolutionised tax administration worldwide.

Governments and tax authorities are leveraging AI, real-time data analytics, and automation to streamline compliance, improve efficiency, and enhance taxpayer services.

However, these advancements also introduce new complexities, requiring robust governance frameworks and global cooperation to ensure fair and effective tax policies.

Panel discussions

Andrew will have the privilege of participating in two key panel discussions.

Session 5: Enhancing VAT/GST administration in the digital age

This session will explore innovations and best practices in VAT/GST administration, focusing on how digital technologies can streamline compliance, reduce fraud, and improve efficiency.

Key discussion points will include:

• The role of e-invoicingElectronic invoicing - widely referred to as e-invoicing - is the exchange of a digital document between a supplier and a buyer. E-invoices are issued, transmitted and received in a structured data format that enabled automatic and electronic processing. They contain data in a machine-readable format so that an AP system can read an invoice without manual data entry, leading to faster and more efficient invoicing. and real-time data sharing in modern tax systems
• Digital identity verification for improved taxpayer authentication
• Addressing cross-border e-commerce challenges in VAT/GST collection

Session 10: Envisioning the future of tax administration

In this session, Andrew will join esteemed panellists to discuss the broader implications of digital transformation in tax administration over the next decade.

Some of the key topics to be discussed include:

• The balance between automation and taxpayer rights in digital tax systems.
• The role of AI in shaping tax policy and the potential ethical concerns that come with it.
• Strategies for global tax administrations to cooperate in an increasingly digitised world.
• The evolving relationship between taxpayers and authorities in a landscape dominated by automation and real-time data exchange.

Why this conversation matters

As businesses and economies become more digitised, tax administrations must evolve to keep pace with technological advancements.

The adoption of AI and real-time reporting can play a crucial role in improving tax compliance, closing loopholes, and increasing economic transparency.

However, the shift toward digital taxation must also be carefully managed to ensure fairness, accessibility, and accountability.

By participating in this discussion, Andrew will contribute insights from his experience in tax technology and compliance, helping to shape a forward-thinking approach to digital tax transformation.

The challenges are significant, but the opportunities are even greater.

Andrew looks forward to engaging with fellow experts at this event and sharing ideas on how we can collectively shape the future of tax administration in the digital age.