Public sector inspectors report positive performance, shortcomings at tax department offices

AMMAN — Inspectors from the Public Sector Development Ministry recently made unannounced visits to three branches affiliated with the Income and Sales Tax Department (ISTD) in Amman to check on the quality of services offered to the public. 

During a visit to the ISTD branch for western Amman, which is in Sweifieh, inspectors observed that seven employees out of 12 were available in offices to serve the public, adding that they were answering their queries in a proper manner. 

The inspectors’ report, made available to The Jordan Times on Tuesday, praised the quality of services at the government agency, mentioning that management was following up with clients to ensure they were being served adequately. 

In a visit to the ISTD branch in southern Amman, in Muqabalein, the ministry’s report indicated that an employee in charge of data entry for transactions was transferred to another branch without being replaced, which caused delay in services. 

Other observations by the inspection team were positive, saying services were offered properly and the building was friendly to people with disabilities and had a special box for receiving complaints and suggestions. 

At the ISTD branch in Jabal Hussein for central and eastern Amman, the inspectors said clients had to wait a long time to be served as four employees out of six were absent. 

The department also did not offer the public information on requirements to receive services, such as documents needed, fees and places to apply at. 

A box for complaints was available but there were no forms, said the report. 

The Public Sector Development Ministry has been carrying out unannounced visits to various government agencies for over three years to monitor performance and submit reports to the prime minister and other concerned ministers.