The changes to the Tax Code as a result of the joint
activity of the Government and businesses, the public and experts are aimed at
eliminating the systemic corruption and abuse by regulatory authorities in the
tax sphere. This was stated by Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman at
the Government meeting on Wednesday.
"The Code, which is now ready, as a result of work with
the public, experts, is an anti-corruption Tax Code, which stipulates for the
elimination of "tax pits", liquidation of all shadow schemes, most of
which are connected with cashing of funds, that is rife, unfortunately",
said Volodymyr Groysman.
The Prime Minister noted that the Soviet system, which
hadn’t been yet eradicated at full, provided for the establishment of such a
tax system in which everyone who was engaged in business had to pay somebody,
while the apparatus performing functions of the state, whether it is a tax
inspector or other supervisor could come and by abuse bring someone to justice,
and begin to exert pressure.
"Our goal is to make such Tax Code, which would be
accepted by business community, which would give the opportunity to improve the
quality of economic growth and, most importantly, would be directed to curbing
corruption", he said.
The Head of Government noted that for 4 months the Ministry
of Finance of Ukraine had engaged in serious work on discussion of amendments
to the Tax Code.
In particular, they were elaborated together with the public
and experts. In this context, Prime Minister thanked the business associations
and business advisors, who participated in the discussion process and
elaboration of changes, namely: Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Ukraine,
Union of Ukrainian Entrepreneurs, American Chamber of Commerce, European
Business Association, Council of Business Ombudsman, and others.
Moreover,
the decisions on amendments to the Tax Code were considered at the meetings of
the National Council of Reforms chaired by President of Ukraine Petro
Poroshenko.
"After
preliminary discussions at the National Council of Reforms, and among the
expert community, business groups, this Code is expected, we will do everything
we can to ensure its fast approval and implementation", said the Prime
Minister.
With this
purpose, Volodymyr Groysman suggested to initiate an extraordinary meeting of
the National Council of Reforms for consideration of tax changes, so that the
Government could submit this document to the Ukrainian Parliament at the next
plenary week.
