Federal Independent Agencies
Here's a look at documents from federal independent agencies
Featured Stories
U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom: Tajik President Denies Religious Freedom as He Strives for Total Control
WASHINGTON, May 2 (TNSrpt) -- The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom issued the following news release:
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Tajik President Denies Religious Freedom as He Strives for Total Control
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released the following report on Tajikistan:
Tajikistan Country Update - Tajik President Emomali Rahmon's authoritarian government regularly commits particularly severe violations of freedom of religion or belief (FoRB), restricting nearly all aspects of religious life to mute nonstate religious influences and strengthen its
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WASHINGTON, May 2 (TNSrpt) -- The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom issued the following news release:
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Tajik President Denies Religious Freedom as He Strives for Total Control
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released the following report on Tajikistan:
Tajikistan Country Update - Tajik President Emomali Rahmon's authoritarian government regularly commits particularly severe violations of freedom of religion or belief (FoRB), restricting nearly all aspects of religious life to mute nonstate religious influences and strengthen itscontrol over the country. This report outlines concerning religious freedom conditions in Tajikistan, including assessing the government's ongoing efforts to control Tajik religious life.
In its 2026 Annual Report, USCIRF recommended that the U.S. Department of State redesignate Tajikistan as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) for its systematic, ongoing, and egregious religious freedom violations.
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The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan federal government entity established by the U.S. Congress to monitor, analyze and report on religious freedom abroad. USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State and Congress intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion or belief. To interview a Commissioner, please contact USCIRF at Media@USCIRF.gov.
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REPORT: https://www.uscirf.gov/sites/default/files/2026-03/USCIRF_2026_AR%20(2).pdf
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Original text here: https://www.uscirf.gov/news-room/releases-statements/tajik-president-denies-religious-freedom-he-strives-total-control
Office of Finance Publishes the First Quarter 2026 Combined Financial Report
CHICAGO, Illinois, May 2 (TNSrep) -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, a district bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System, issued the following news:
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Office of Finance Publishes the First Quarter 2026 Combined Financial Report
The Office of Finance is announcing the publication of the First Quarter 2026 Combined Financial Report of the Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLBanks). This report has been prepared from the unaudited financial information of the FHLBanks. Each of the FHLBanks has filed its First Quarter 2026 Form 10-Q with the SEC. Current financial reports and other SEC filings
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CHICAGO, Illinois, May 2 (TNSrep) -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, a district bank in the Federal Home Loan Bank System, issued the following news:
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Office of Finance Publishes the First Quarter 2026 Combined Financial Report
The Office of Finance is announcing the publication of the First Quarter 2026 Combined Financial Report of the Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLBanks). This report has been prepared from the unaudited financial information of the FHLBanks. Each of the FHLBanks has filed its First Quarter 2026 Form 10-Q with the SEC. Current financial reports and other SEC filingsfor individual FHLBanks can be obtained by searching the EDGAR database.
The First Quarter 2026 Combined Financial Report for the FHLBanks has been filed with the Federal Housing Finance Agency. A copy of this Combined Financial Report can be obtained on the Office of Finance website (https://www.fhlb-of.com/ofweb_userWeb/pageBuilder/fhlbank-financial-data-36).
The FHLBanks have delivered innovation and service to the U.S. housing market since 1932, and currently have approximately 6,400 members serving all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. Please contact Tom Heinle at 703-467-3646 or [email protected] for additional information.
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Original text here: https://www.fhlbc.com/news/news-detail/2026/05/01/office-of-finance-publishes-the-first-quarter-2026-combined-financial-report
Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute: Congratulations to S. Joseph Wright on Election to the U.S. National Academy of Sciences
PANAMA CITY, Panama, May 1 -- The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute issued the following statement on April 30, 2026:
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Congratulations to S. Joseph Wright on Election to the U.S. National Academy of Sciences
Wright's election to the National Academy of Sciences demonstrates his global influence and his significant contributions to tropical science and conservation
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We are pleased to share that S. Joseph Wright, Senior Scientist STRI, has been elected to the U.S. National Academy of Sciences (NAS)--one of the highest honors in science, recognizing distinguished and ongoing contributions
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PANAMA CITY, Panama, May 1 -- The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute issued the following statement on April 30, 2026:
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Congratulations to S. Joseph Wright on Election to the U.S. National Academy of Sciences
Wright's election to the National Academy of Sciences demonstrates his global influence and his significant contributions to tropical science and conservation
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We are pleased to share that S. Joseph Wright, Senior Scientist STRI, has been elected to the U.S. National Academy of Sciences (NAS)--one of the highest honors in science, recognizing distinguished and ongoing contributionsto original research.
Dr. Wright is among 120 newly elected members this year, joining a distinguished community of scientists whose work has had a lasting global impact.
For nearly four decades, Dr. Wright has been a leading figure in tropical forest ecology. He earned his bachelor's degree from Princeton University and his Ph.D. from the University of California, Los Angeles, and has spent much of his career at STRI. His scientific output includes more than 400 peer reviewed publications, cited over 70,000 times, and he has served as president of the Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation.
Dr. Wright's research focuses on long-term forest dynamics, plant demography, and species coexistence. with particular emphasis on how tropical forests respond to temporal climate variation and global environmental change. He pioneered standardized protocols for studying flowering, seed production and seedling dynamics--methods that have been used widely across the Smithsonian's ForestGEO network since 1987. His work has significantly advanced understanding of nutrient deposition, climate change, overhunting and the conservation value of secondary forests and abandoned lands.
In 2022, the Smithsonian Institution recognized Dr. Wright's sustained scientific impact with the Smithsonian Distinguished Scholar in the Sciences Award. At that time, Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch praised his work as "a great service to the world," underscoring its importance for protecting tropical forests in a changing climate.
Dr. Wright has consistently emphasized that his achievements are the result of long term collaboration and teamwork. In remarks during his Distinguished Scholar lecture, he acknowledged the colleagues in Panama whose dedication made his research possible, expressing special thanks to the research managers and technicians that have worked closely with him throughout his career.
Election to the National Academy of Sciences highlights Dr. Wright's global influence and reflects the strength of the scientific community at STRI. Please join us in congratulating Joe on this outstanding achievement.
The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, headquartered in Panama City, Panama, is a unit of the Smithsonian Institution. The institute furthers the understanding of tropical biodiversity and its importance to human welfare, trains students to conduct research in the tropics and promotes conservation by increasing public awareness of the beauty and importance of tropical ecosystems. Promo video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9JDSIwBegk).
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Original text here: https://stri.si.edu/story/great-honor
SBA Relief Still Available to Washington Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Drought
WASHINGTON, May 1 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
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SBA Relief Still Available to Washington Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Drought
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WASHINGTON -The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Washington of the June 1 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by drought beginning Sept. 23, 2025.
The disaster declaration covers the Washington counties of Adams, Benton,
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WASHINGTON, May 1 -- The Small Business Administration's Office of Disaster Assistance issued the following news release:
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SBA Relief Still Available to Washington Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Drought
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WASHINGTON -The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Washington of the June 1 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by drought beginning Sept. 23, 2025.
The disaster declaration covers the Washington counties of Adams, Benton,Columbia, Franklin, Grant, Walla Walla, and Whitman.
Under this declaration, SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs -including faith-based organizations -impacted by financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills not paid due to the disaster.
"Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover," said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. "We're pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters."
The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.625% for PNPs with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant's financial condition.
To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA's Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than June 1. However, after the deadline has passed, there is a 60-day grace period in which SBA will accept applications.
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.sba.gov/article/2026/05/01/sba-relief-still-available-washington-small-businesses-private-nonprofits-affected-drought
Office of Finance Announces First Quarter 2026 Combined Operating Highlights for the Federal Home Loan Banks
WASHINGTON, May 1 -- The Federal Home Loan Bank System Office of Finance issued the following news release:
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Office of Finance Announces First Quarter 2026 Combined Operating Highlights for the Federal Home Loan Banks
The first quarter 2026 combined operating highlights are prepared from the preliminary unaudited financial information of each Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLBank) and are subject to change. The combined and individual FHLBank statements of condition and statements of income highlights are attached as Tables I and II. Each of the FHLBanks has released its unaudited financial
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 1 -- The Federal Home Loan Bank System Office of Finance issued the following news release:
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Office of Finance Announces First Quarter 2026 Combined Operating Highlights for the Federal Home Loan Banks
The first quarter 2026 combined operating highlights are prepared from the preliminary unaudited financial information of each Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLBank) and are subject to change. The combined and individual FHLBank statements of condition and statements of income highlights are attached as Tables I and II. Each of the FHLBanks has released its unaudited financialresults for the period ended March 31, 2026, and filed a Form 8-K with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Combined Highlights
Net income was $1,297 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026, a decrease of 7% compared to the three months ended March 31, 2025. As of March 31, 2026, total assets were $1,303.4 billion, total liabilities were $1,226.0 billion, and total GAAP capital was $77.4 billion, all of which increased 4%, compared to December 31, 2025.
Table: Combined Financial Condition
The FHLBanks' assets and liabilities expand and contract as the needs of member financial institutions and their communities change over time.
* Advances totaled $734.3 billion at March 31, 2026, an increase of 9% resulting primarily from an increase in advances to depository and insurance company members.
* Investments were $480.7 billion at March 31, 2026, a decrease of 1%.
* Mortgage loans held for portfolio were $80.7 billion at March 31, 2026, an increase of 2% as mortgage loan purchase volume outpaced repayments.
* Consolidated obligations totaled $1,198.9 billion at March 31, 2026, an increase of 4% consisting of a 6% increase in consolidated bonds and a 2% increase in consolidated discount notes.
* Retained earnings grew to $33.2 billion at March 31, 2026, an increase of 1% resulting principally from net income of $1,297 million, partially offset by dividends of $875 million.
Table: Combined Results of Operations
Net income was $1,297 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026, a decrease of 7% compared to the three months ended March 31, 2025, resulting primarily from lower non-interest income and net interest income and higher voluntary housing and community investment expense.
Net interest income was $1,923 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026, a decrease of 1% compared to the three months ended March 31, 2025. Net interest margin was 0.60% for the three months ended March 31, 2026, a decrease of 2 basis points compared to the three months ended March 31, 2025.
* Interest income was $13,180 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026, a decrease of 10% compared to the three months ended March 31, 2025, due primarily to a decrease in the average yield on interest-earning assets, principally advances, driven by the lower interest-rate environment. The average yield on advances was 4.05% for the three months ended March 31, 2026, a decrease of 67 basis points compared to the three months ended March 31, 2025.
* Interest expense was $11,257 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026, a decrease of 11% compared to the three months ended March 31, 2025, due primarily to the lower average rate on consolidated obligations, driven by the lower interest-rate environment. The average rate on consolidated obligations was 3.72% for the three months ended March 31, 2026, a decrease of 62 basis points compared to the three months ended March 31, 2025.
Non-interest income was a net gain of $69 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026, a decrease of $64 million compared to the three months ended March 31, 2025, resulting primarily from changes in the fair value of investment securities and derivatives, driven by changes in interest rates.
Statutory Affordable Housing Program assessments result from individual FHLBank income subject to assessments. Affordable Housing Program assessments were $146 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026, a decrease of 7% compared to the three months ended March 31, 2025. In addition, an FHLBank may make voluntary contributions to the Affordable Housing Program or other housing and community investment initiatives, which are in addition to the Affordable Housing Program assessments. Voluntary housing and community investment expense was $114 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026, an increase of 21% compared to the three months ended March 31, 2025.
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About the FHLBanks
The FHLBanks, as member-owned cooperative institutions, provide financial products and services to their members and housing associates that assist and enhance the financing of housing and community lending. In addition, the FHLBanks support community development through affordable housing and community investment. Each FHLBank is privately capitalized and independently managed.
The FHLBanks have delivered innovation and service to the U.S. housing market since 1932, and currently have approximately 6,300 members serving all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. Please contact Tom Heinle at 703-467-3646 or theinle@fhlb-of.com for additional information.
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Statements contained in this release, including statements describing the objectives, projections, estimates, or future predictions of the FHLBanks and the Office of Finance, may be "forward-looking statements." These statements may use forward-looking terminology, such as "anticipates," "believes," "could," "estimates," "expects," "may," "should," "will," "would," or their negatives or other variations on these terms. Investors should note that forward-looking statements, by their nature, involve risks or uncertainties. Therefore, the actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements or could affect the extent to which a particular objective, projection, estimate, or prediction is realized. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the following: changes in the general economy; changes in interest rates and housing prices; size and volatility of the residential mortgage market; disruptions in the credit and debt markets and the effect on the FHLBanks' funding costs, sources, and availability; levels and volatility of market prices, rates, and indices that could affect the value of investments or collateral held by the FHLBanks as security; monetary and fiscal policies; widespread health emergencies; geopolitical instability or conflicts; trade disruptions; demand for FHLBank advances; competitive forces, including other sources of funding available to FHLBank members; changes in investor demand for consolidated obligations; executive, legislative, regulatory, judicial, or other developments; and changes resulting from any modification of the credit ratings of the U.S. government or the FHLBanks. Investors are encouraged to consider these and other risks and uncertainties that are discussed in periodic combined financial reports posted on the Office of Finance website, www.fhlb-of.com, and in reports filed by each FHLBank with the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Any duty to update these forward-looking statements is disclaimed
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Original text here: https://fhlb-of.com/ofweb_userWeb/resources/2026Q1FHLBCombinedOperatingHighlights.pdf
EPA Clarifies When Oil and Natural Gas Producers Can Flare After Phase Out Deadline
WASHINGTON, May 1 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Clarifies When Oil and Natural Gas Producers Can Flare After Phase Out Deadline
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WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued guidance clarifying that current federal regulations allow oil and natural gas producers to continue routine flaring of associated gas at new oil wells in limited circumstances after the May 7, 2026, phase out deadline. This clarification is in direct response to concerns from several oil and natural gas owners and operators' that circumstances
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WASHINGTON, May 1 -- The Environmental Protection Agency issued the following news release:
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EPA Clarifies When Oil and Natural Gas Producers Can Flare After Phase Out Deadline
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WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued guidance clarifying that current federal regulations allow oil and natural gas producers to continue routine flaring of associated gas at new oil wells in limited circumstances after the May 7, 2026, phase out deadline. This clarification is in direct response to concerns from several oil and natural gas owners and operators' that circumstancesbeyond their control could otherwise force them to halt production of American energy. According to the Department of Energy (DOE), EPA's clarification will allow for the continued production of tens of thousands of oil barrels per day, helping to reduce gasoline and diesel prices nationwide.
"America already produces energy better and cleaner than anywhere else in the world. That should not stop," said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. "EPA is providing certainty that oil operators and owners already have the flexibility under our regulations to navigate situations beyond their control and continue unleashing American energy. In doing so, the Trump EPA is advancing American energy dominance and lowering energy costs across the nation."
"The world needs more American energy, and we're delivering it responsibly," said Secretary of the Department of Energy Chris Wright. "This action gives operators the certainty they need to keep producing while continuing to reduce emissions. Forcing unnecessary shut-ins doesn't reduce demand, it just raises prices and shifts production elsewhere."
The Biden-Harris Administration's 2024 Clean Air Act (CAA) rules for oil and natural gas, commonly known as OOOOb/c, phase out routine flaring of associated gas by May 7, 2026. Producers operating in the Williston Basin, including the Bakken Formation, and the Permian Basin, raised concerns that scenarios outside their control could require flaring past that deadline, with the alternative being the shutdown of production at some well sites.
After assessing the concerns, EPA determined that current regulations for oil and natural gas already provide flexibility to temporarily flare after the phase out deadline in the specific scenarios raised by the stakeholders. Therefore, EPA is reaffirming this in today's guidance to ensure the continuation of essential energy production.
EPA's guidance is consistent with current regulations, as well as the agency's rulemaking record for OOOOb/c flaring regulations. Today's guidance reaffirms that flexibility. It does not change any regulation or rule; it serves as a clarifying reference for EPA's regulatory entities.
Over the last year, the Trump Administration has prioritized energy dominance and has made significant progress in reducing the cost of living for American families. The Trump EPA understands we can both protect human health and the environment and grow the economy at the same time. This guidance supplements the comprehensive reconsideration of OOOOb/c the Trump EPA is currently undertaking to provide relief and bring commonsense back to oil and natural gas rulemaking.
EPA's guidance can be found here.
Background
On March 12, 2025, Administrator Zeldin announced a comprehensive reconsideration of the 2024 CAA rule for oil and natural gas, commonly known as OOOOb/c, to unleash energy dominance and continue the Nation's trajectory as a leader in clean energy and emissions reductions.
On July 31, 2025, EPA issued an Interim Final Rule (IFR) to extend several compliance deadlines in the 2024 Final Rule to provide more realistic timelines for owners and operators to comply with the 2024 Final Rule.
On December 3, 2025, EPA issued a final rule reaffirming the extensions in the IFR. In response to comments received on the IFR, the December 3, 2025, final rule also provided an additional 180-day extension to the compliance dates related to net heating value monitoring of flares and enclosed combustion devices, as well as a 360-day extension for owners and operators to submit initial annual reports.
On April 9, 2026, EPA took another step in the comprehensive reconsideration by finalizing revisions to certain aspects of the 2024 OOOOb/c rule. The agency is currently developing another proposal to further amend the 2024 Final Rule to address additional issues raised by stakeholders that will further drive down the cost of living for all Americans.
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Original text here: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-clarifies-when-oil-and-natural-gas-producers-can-flare-after-phase-out-deadline
Argentina to Modernize Tax Administration With IDB Support
WASHINGTON, May 1 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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Argentina to Modernize Tax Administration with IDB Support
The Board of Executive Directors of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved $100 million in financing to improve governance and institutional capacity at the Tax Collection and Customs Control Agency (ARCA, its Spanish acronym) and to strengthen tax revenue administration.
The project finances a comprehensive transformation--both functional and digital--based on four pillars:
* Improving ARCA's management and institutional
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 1 -- The Inter-American Development Bank issued the following news release:
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Argentina to Modernize Tax Administration with IDB Support
The Board of Executive Directors of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved $100 million in financing to improve governance and institutional capacity at the Tax Collection and Customs Control Agency (ARCA, its Spanish acronym) and to strengthen tax revenue administration.
The project finances a comprehensive transformation--both functional and digital--based on four pillars:
* Improving ARCA's management and institutionalcapacity through the redesign of tax processes, optimization of human resources management, and enhanced coordination with other government agencies.
* Strengthening taxpayer services by improving citizen engagement processes, including registration, filings, inquiries, and complaints, among others.
* Implementing a comprehensive risk management system to enable data-driven tax control, segmented risk profiling, and greater transparency in audit processes.
* Digitally modernizing ARCA, including a new data management model, upgrades to its technological infrastructure, and the development of its cybersecurity system, among other advances.
The program will help reduce the value-added tax (VAT) compliance gap and tax compliance costs through the digitalization and automation of systems, as well as the adaptation of regulations, processes, and functions. It will also promote greater accessibility to tax services, by focusing on digital inclusion and meeting the needs of different taxpayer profiles.
Approximately 19,000 ARCA staff will benefit from access to training and more efficient processes, and 6.8 million taxpayers and private sector actors will directly benefit from improved services and a more transparent tax administration.
The $100 million IDB financing has a 25-year maturity, a 5.5-year grace period, and an interest rate based on SOFR. The project will be implemented in coordination with a results-based loan from the World Bank.
This loan is the first operation under a new Conditional Credit Line for Investment Projects (CCLIP) of up to $600 million, aimed at strengthening the effectiveness, efficiency, and transparency of public revenue management in the country.
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About the IDB
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), a member of the IDB Group, is devoted to improving lives across Latin America and the Caribbean. Founded in 1959, the Bank works with the region's public sector to design and enable impactful, innovative solutions for sustainable and inclusive development. Leveraging financing, technical expertise, and knowledge, it promotes growth and well-being in 26 countries.
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Original text here: https://www.iadb.org/en/news/argentina-modernize-tax-administration-idb-support
