State Tax Service, together with the Ministry of Finance, is working on implementation of the Tax Gap methodology to increase transparency of the tax system

State Tax Service, together with the Ministry of Finance, is working on implementation of the Tax Gap methodology. This was announced by acting Head of the State Tax Service Lesya Karnaukh during the 11th Kyiv International Economic Forum – Ukraine 2.0: The Power of People. 

"I told about our joint steps with the Ministry of Finance to implement the Tax Gap methodology with support of the EU experts within the Fiscalis program. This is analytical tool that will allow us to clearly understand and direct efforts to where tax gaps exist. This is what will allow us to see real budget losses due to the non-payment, evasion, errors or the shadow economy" – Lesya Karnaukh added.

Acting Head of the State Tax Service said that during the Forum the main thing she heard from business was that taxes must be paid. This is basis of our national security. 

"And I am grateful to every taxpayer for such conscious position. At the same time, everyone wants honest and transparent working rules. And these are logical expectations. I completely understand business that is indignant that some pay taxes in full, while their competitors, use schemes and pay many times less" – she emphasized. 

Therefore, un-shadowing is always in focus of the State Tax Service. And it is not about excessive control and constant audits. But about fair payment of taxes by those who are constantly looking for ways to minimize them.

"Together we must create such conditions when paying taxes honestly is more profitable than evading" –Lesya Karnaukh added. 

She reminded that in early September, the State Tax Service opened Tax Consultant Offices in 20 regions, because demand for quality consultations is enormous. This is essentially a format of dialogue between the Tax Service and business, specific assistance in all tax questions. "We have already provided more than 8 thousand consultations. But I always say that all parties should work on increasing trust. As it does not arise automatically" – Lesya Karnaukh emphasized.