Combating Tax Evasion:

A nnually, the government of Cameroon imposes taxes on citizens and cor­ porate bodies in order to raise funds for public services or facilities, redistribute wealth, and either encourage or discourage the consumption of certain goods or services. Albeit tax payment’s re­ levance to State development, tax evasion remains a course for concern. Reasons why in 2012, the government of Cameroon through the General Directorate of Taxation (DGI) under the Ministry of Finance, joined the Global Forum on Trans­ parency and Exchange of Informa­ tion for Tax Purposes. Similarly, the Ministry of Finance has signed a plethora of tax treaties with several countries to eliminate double taxa­ tion in income tax to prevent fraud and tax evasion. This has enabled Cameroon carry out reforms in tax transparency, including the creation of an Exchange of Information (EOI) unit within the DGI. To strengthen its collaboration with over 150 jurisdictions, the DGI has since October 2015, expanded the network of information exchange partners through the Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters (MAAC). This has facilitated access to relevant infor­ mation thus increasing transparency of bearer shares, legal constructs, and the establishment of a central register of beneficial owners intro­ duced in 2024. From its 2016 and 2024 reports, the DGI has recorded substan...