Tax Advisor and Financial Audit

I. Introduction
Right To Play (RTP) is a global non-governmental organization that empowers children to overcome adversity through play-based programs. RTP operates in 16 countries, including Lebanon, and is registered under registration number 1587731. To ensure compliance with local taxation, financial regulations, and donor requirements, RTP is seeking a qualified tax advisor to provide comprehensive tax advisory services. The tax advisor will also be responsible for coordinating the financial audit of RTP’s operations for the fiscal year 2024 subject to renewal based on mutual agreement. II. Objective
The objective of this TOR is to secure the services of a professional tax advisor who will be responsible for:

• Tax advisory services, including payroll, VAT, withholding taxes, and social security compliance.
• Conducting or facilitating the financial audit of RTP’s financial statements, ensuring full compliance with statutory obligations and donor requirements.

III. Scope of Services
A. Tax Advisory Services
1.Payroll and Income Tax
oRegister new employees with the Ministry of Finance.
oCompute and submit payroll taxes and social security contributions monthly and quarterly.
oPrepare and submit annual payroll tax declarations (R5, R6, R7) within set deadlines.
oEnsure compliance with the latest payroll tax regulations and advise on changes.
2.Social Security Compliance
oCalculate monthly social security contributions for each employee.
oSubmit monthly contributions to NSSF and handle annual reconciliation.
oManage employee registration and deregistration with the NSSF.
oProvide guidance on severance provisions and family allowances.
3.Value Added Tax (VAT)
oAssist with VAT registration, if applicable.
oPrepare and submit quarterly VAT declarations when applicable.
oHandle VAT refund requests and follow up with authorities until the process is completed when applicable.
oSubmit request to the MOF for getting VAT stamps.
oPrepare and submit quarterly VAT stamp declarations.

4.Withholding Taxes
oPrepare and submit quarterly and annual withholding tax declarations (G10 and G5 forms).
oEnsure compliance with withholding tax obligations for both resident and non-resident employees.

5.Annual Tax Declaration
oPrepare and submit the annual tax declaration to the Ministry of Finance.
oProvide assistance with budgeting and financial position declarations to the Ministry of Interior.
oEnsure non-resident tax compliance on an annual basis.

6.Consultancy and Advisory
oProvide technical advice on tax matters and respond to any ad-hoc tax-related queries.
oKeep RTP updated on any changes in local tax laws and regulations in addition to NSSF changes.
oAdvise on the implementation of new tax laws or regulations in addition to NSSF new laws or regulations.

B. Financial Audit
1.Audit of Financial Statements
oFacilitate the financial audit of RTP’s operations for the fiscal year 2024 and the upcoming years.
oAssist in preparing the financial statements in accordance with the modified cash basis of accounting.
oProvide all necessary documentation related to tax compliance, employee benefits, and financial reporting.
oExpress an opinion on RTP’s financial statements, covering both funds received from headquarters and external donors. And provide management letter with the financial statements covering all findings and related advises.

2.Internal Controls and Compliance
oAssess RTP’s internal controls related to financial management and tax compliance.
oIdentify and report any material weaknesses or areas requiring improvement.
oReview prior audit findings and confirm that recommendations have been implemented.

IV. Deliverables
1.Monthly and Quarterly Declarations
oPayroll tax, social security contributions, VAT, and withholding tax declarations submitted within the statutory deadlines.
2.Annual Tax Declarations
oSubmission of annual payroll and tax declarations to the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Interior.
3.Audit Report
oProvide a complete financial audit report, including an opinion on RTP’s financial statements, a management letter, and all required financial reports (balance sheet, income statement, cash flow statement, etc.) by April 15, 2025.
4.Compliance Reports
oReports on social security and severance appropriations.
oVAT refund status reports and withholding tax compliance updates.
5.Technical Advice
oRegular updates on tax regulations and prompt responses to tax-related queries. V. Criteria for Selection
The tax advisor will be selected based on the following criteria:
1.Technical Expertise
oDemonstrated experience in tax advisory and auditing services for NGOs or international organizations.
oKnowledge of local tax laws and regulations, including VAT, payroll tax, and social security.
2.Past Experience
oProven track record of managing tax services and financial audits for organizations with complex financial structures.
3.Timeliness and Availability
oAbility to meet strict deadlines for monthly, quarterly, and annual tax declarations and the final audit report.
oResponsiveness to ad-hoc requests and regulatory changes.
4.Cost Proposal
oCompetitive fee structure that provides value for money without compromising service quality.
oClear breakdown of fees for both tax advisory and audit services.