GovTech: Modernizing Tax Management Through Digital Innovation

It’s undeniable that Artificial Intelligence (AI) boosts efficiency in processes and operations across all economic sectors. In the public sector, this becomes evident through projects developed with Kolektor—a company contracted to handle tax collection services for the provincial government of Córdoba, Argentina—which have optimized tax management for major taxpayers. Thanks to predictive models and anomaly detection, the initiative has contributed to improved efficiency, cost savings, and transparency in tax administration.

AI Models for Managing Taxes of Major Taxpayers

AI-based GovTech solutions for managing taxes of large taxpayers focused on predicting tax filing submissions (which directly impact tax collection), detecting possible fraud in these submissions, forecasting tax payments, and optimizing debt collection processes.

Tax Filing Submissions

One challenge the government faced was determining the likelihood of large taxpayers filing their tax returns on time. To address this, an AI model was developed that, by analyzing each taxpayer's filing history, could calculate the probability of meeting this requirement in the upcoming period. This model allowed the government to anticipate potential non-compliance, enabling proactive strategies and optimizing the flow of information between taxpayers and the tax authority.

Anomaly Detection in Tax Filings

Another significant challenge was detecting potential fraud or anomalies in tax filings. The model focused on analyzing submissions to spot patterns that did not align with historical behavior or appeared inconsistent with reported sales volume, identifying potentially "fraudulent" returns. It’s important to note that an incorrect declaration directly affects the tax amount owed. Detecting inconsistencies and potential fraud is essential for improving transparency in public tax systems.

Forecasting Tax Payments

Accurate income forecasting is critical for government financial planning. A predictive payment model was developed to estimate not only whether a taxpayer will make a payment but also when and how much they are likely to pay. Using historical payment data, this model allows Córdoba’s government to predict revenue flows with greater accuracy. Given that roughly 80% of the province’s tax revenue comes from large taxpayers, this tool is essential for managing public resources effectively and ensuring the financial stability of the government.

Optimizing Debt Collection Strategies

Finally, a model was developed to optimize debt collection when taxpayers failed to pay taxes on time. This tool analyzed various collection methods, such as emails, standard letters, formal notices, and even inspector visits, evaluating the impact of each action on the likelihood of payment. The model helped identify the most effective collection strategy, showing that standard letters had the highest payment success rate at the lowest cost.

The Impact of Digital Modernization in Public Improvement

The success of these AI-driven GovTech solutions in Córdoba’s tax administration illustrates the transformative potential of digital modernization in the public sector. By integrating predictive analytics and anomaly detection, Córdoba has taken a significant step toward improving tax management, reducing administrative burdens, and enhancing transparency.

Through GovTech modernization, Córdoba has established a model for other governments seeking to leverage AI and digital tools for effective tax management and public service enhancement.