Year-at-a-Glance Highlights

OneStop Business Registration

Working with a number of agencies, the ministry implemented enhancements to the OneStop Business Registration System which allows business owners to complete multiple government applications and change business address at one time online, as well as providing access to information on tax obligations and entitlements. Information provided during the registration process is now uploaded electronically to ministry systems, generating significant savings in terms of time and processing costs.

Revenue target

The ministry achieved $210 million in net incremental revenue in 2003/04, exceeding the target of $34 million as a result of both unanticipated, one-time revenue opportunities and improved performance. The ministry performed 184,441 audits throughout the year.

Collection results

The ministry manages approximately $451 million in overdue non-tax accounts receivables from other ministries in government, such as Medical Services Plan premiums, immigrant sponsorship debts, and others. These receivables are comprised of approximately 473,000 accounts, a 34 per cent increase from $336 million as of March 31, 2003. In addition, the ministry manages $398 million of tax accounts receivable, an increase of 16 per cent since March 31, 2003.

The ministry exceeded its annual collections target in 2003/04. Tax collections totaled $261 million in 03/04 while non-tax collections more than doubled at $82.5 million, including a record $15 million recovered through the Canada Revenue Agency set off program.

Electronic Transactions

Over 60 per cent ($6.7 billion) of the $11 billion in direct payments to the ministry in 2003/04 was received electronically. The ministry completed PC/Telephone Banking Project to automate processes and expand marketing to rural property taxpayers in time for the 2003 rural property tax billing. As a result, taxpayer participation increased significantly from 2002 levels. The Property Transfer tax can now be registered with BC Online to file property transfer tax returns and make payments electronically.

The ministry implemented an automated process to streamline the handling of undeliverable collection mail enabling returned mail to be scanned and uploaded into the collection system automatically. Since July, 2003, the ministry has processed over 53,000 pieces of returned mail electronically.

Deregulation

The ministry eliminated a net total of 1,679 regulatory requirements in 2003/04 for a total reduction of 2,857 regulatory reductions, thus slightly higher than the overall commitment of a total 21 per cent reduction, or 2,831 regulatory requirements.

Employee Survey

An employee survey completed by 76 per cent of ministry employees in June 2003 showed that employee knowledge of the ministry (for example, familiarity with the ministry's goals, objectives and Service Plan) increased to 75 per cent from 68 per cent since 2002. The survey also showed that employee morale and satisfaction also increased slightly in 2003/04 to 80 per cent each.