Urgent taxation issues discussed at Independence Palace

12 октября 2020

The relevant taxation issues were discussed today at the Independence Palace. The logic of the President's demands in this area remains the same - taxation must be as comfortable for people and business as possible, while guaranteeing the realisation of the legitimate interests of the state. The digitalisation of this area is an answer to the demands of time and the economy. And most people have already appreciated the electronic format of contacts with the tax authorities.

"We advise, not punish!". This is the motto that our tax authorities work under today. The Code has been updated for almost two years. A number of procedures have been simplified, particularly for small businesses. There is a motivation for conscientious taxpayers, there is an opportunity to correct mistakes, to see if there is a delay, not to get a fine immediately. This approach has paid off: over 97% of taxpayers voluntarily meet their tax obligations on time. A lot has been done to make the tax system simple and understandable. But life does not stand still.
Instruction: to prepare amendments to the tax code.

"We have agreed that you will issue a new, more advanced taxation system, modernise the current Tax Code, where necessary, point by point, as far as possible. We have a relatively good Tax Code, but nothing is perfect, it needs to be constantly updated. A good job has been done. It may be necessary to make changes to some articles after the latest events. Of course, the government and other agencies will work on it, but I am taking control of this issue," Alexander Lukashenko said.

The President has taken personal control of the updating of the tax code. It will be prepared by a special working group.  It's too early to say whether tax rates will change or whether payments may be waived.  But the fact that life for entrepreneurs will be even easier is certain. It is expected that the updated Code will come into force in 2022.

Minister: the main principle of tax law will be simplicity

Sergei Nalivaiko, Minister for Taxes and Duties of Belarus:   "We will try to implement these approaches by increasing the digitalization of the tax system, by improving electronic interaction between the tax service and business entities and citizens."

Digitalisation of the tax system

The digital transformation of the tax system is the answer to the demands of time and economy. Almost all business entities have appreciated this electronic format of contacts.

88% of business entities interact with the tax authorities electronically.

The digitalisation of the tax area will continue through the creation of a unified system of intelligent data processing, an increase in the number of electronic services.  As a result,  20,000 individuals have taken advantage of this opportunity.

The main task is to build the system so that it is convenient and applicable in our country.

Sergei Nalivaiko, Minister for Taxes and Duties of Belarus: "We have a 96.5% target for the consolidated budget. The shortfall amounted to Br700 million. This is mainly due to the epidemic situation in the world. If we maintain this level, it will be quite good. We need to do everything possible to slightly reduce these shortfalls, although it will be difficult. You can see that the second wave has covered the whole world, and our economy is export-oriented, we depend on it."