Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Bisher Al Khasawneh paid a surprise visit to the Income and Sales Tax Department (ISTD) on Sunday morning to check the progress of their work and the services they provide to auditors and taxpayers, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Khasawneh emphasised the importance of providing the best services that people, investors and the economic and business sectors deserve. He stressed the implementation of the Royal directives to keep the auditing process away from bureaucratic and administrative complications.

Khasawneh pointed out that the relationship between the department and taxpayers must be based on mutual trust and added that a tax employee and taxpayer perform their role and duty towards the country and its economy. Khasawneh indicated the importance of responding positively to the complaints and objections of taxpayers regarding income tax assessments.

During the visit, the prime minister also stressed the need for ISTD staff to carry out the inspection tours in the highest level of professionalism and objectivity and in accordance with the provisions of the law.

He highlighted the private sector’s role in making Jordan an investment destination, which will help stimulate economic growth and create more jobs for Jordanian youth.

He called for the adoption of the "national billing" system, which will help the state treasury obtain real revenues and enable tax auditors to complete and audit files in a timely manner.