The capital-provincial joint working group, led by tax officials and collaborating with sub-national authorities, will commence inspections on road tax for 2023. The initiative will target specific sections of main roads, beginning from January 15 and continuing until March 31, 2024.

According to a December 1 statement, the group urged all vehicle owners to swiftly meet their 2023 tax obligations and to ensure all taxes are declared in a timely manner, including any fines for late payments, adhering to the prevailing laws and regulations.

Payments can be made at the General Department of Taxation (GDT), tax branches across the country or certain banks.

“The GDT hopes and strongly believes that all vehicle owners will take care to fulfil the road tax obligation to avoid their vehicles being stopped by the joint working group, in cooperation with [the relevant] authorities. This is essential to prevent lost time and traffic congestion,” the GDT stated.

Phnom Penh municipal police spokesperson Sam Vichheka noted on December 19 that upon request from the department, the municipal police would deploy forces to assist in monitoring the process of checking the tax status of vehicles.

He highlighted that the department annually requests such cooperation.

Vichheka clarified that while imposing fines or other taxes falls under the GDT’s purview, the police forces’ role is solely to assist in ensuring national tax collection aligns with planned objectives.

“Our forces are merely cooperating and enforcing the law, while the GDT handles fines. It’s important for people to understand this distinction. Historically, this inspection has involved not just the traffic police but other relevant authorities as well, all working together to facilitate tax collection for the government,” he explained.