State Tax Service of Ukraine is working on implementing changes necessary for integration into the European Union. Among the priorities are adaptation of tax legislation to the EU norms, integration of information systems, development of digital services and improvement of tax administration. Further steps of reforms and cooperation areas were discussed during the meeting by Acting Head of the State Tax Service Yurii Koniushenko with representatives of the Delegation of the European Union to Ukraine and the EU4PFM programme.

As Acting Head of the State Tax Service noted, implementation of the European integration obligations in taxation sphere within framework of negotiating chapter 16 "Taxation" remains one of the key priorities of the State Tax Service.

 "This is about further approximation of legislation in areas of the VAT, excise and direct taxation, administrative cooperation and international exchange of tax information. We highly appreciate expert assistance of the EU4PFM project in this work – from preparation to screening and analysis of compliance with legislation to support specific practical solutions, particularly the IT" – Yurii Koniushenko said.

Separate strategic direction is integration of the State Tax Service’s IT systems with the EU systems. State Tax Service is working on a corresponding roadmap, and business processes are being analyzed.

Acting Head of the State Tax Service emphasized that it is fundamentally important that this work has a clear practical result – readiness of necessary systems immediately before Ukraine’s accession to the European Union.

Important areas of work remain improvement of the risk-based approach, digitalization of tax debt management and modernization of the taxpayer’s Electronic cabinet. Service’s task is to increasingly move to the data-based management, concentrate resources on real risks and at the same time provide quality services to the taxpayers who conscientiously fulfill their tax obligations.

Approach to personnel is also changing consistently – with support of partners, competency-based human capital management model is being implemented.

Yurii Koniushenko emphasized that reforms are taking place in difficult war conditions, when it is important to ensure daily stability of the tax system.