Course on Future of Taxation

Launched in 2020, the one-week Future of Taxation (FoT) course was again delivered this year from September 15 to 19. It is one of the few JVI courses devoted exclusively to taxation, designed for officials working in both tax policy analysis and tax administration. The program was jointly delivered by the Austrian Federal Ministry of Finance, the IMF’s Fiscal Affairs Department, the Global Tax Policy Center of the Vienna University of Economics and Business, and the JVI.

The course provided an overview of recent trends and drivers of tax reforms, including developments in the JVI region, and explored how tax systems can be adapted to strengthen compliance, mobilize revenue, and promote equity. It also addressed recent developments in international tax arrangements, carbon pricing, and the growing role of digitalization and artificial intelligence in tax administration.

In total, 14 lectures were delivered, complemented by interactive components such as peer-to-peer presentations, hands-on workshops, and a jeopardy game designed to foster engagement and practical learning.

The course welcomed 28 participants from 13 countries, who gave it outstanding ratings in the end-of-course evaluation, among others for the knowledge and skills gained, the overall structure and delivery, and their willingness to recommend the course to others. In their feedback, participants described the course as highly informative, well-structured, and relevant to their professional work. They especially appreciated the diversity of lecturers, the practical examples, the opportunity to learn from peers, and the interactive elements. 

The next FoT course at the JVI is scheduled for September 14–18, 2026, promising another opportunity for tax policy and administration officials to update their knowledge on emerging taxation issues, enhance their skills, and contribute to advancing tax reforms in their home countries.

Markus Eller, Senior Economist, JVI