Lesya Karnaukh: qualitative data, interaction of state institutions and improvement of the risk-based approach are components of the economy’s un-shadowing  

Press service of the State Tax Service of Ukraine, published 04 September 2026 at 16:03 Chapter: News

Counteracting shadow economy is not just a matter of strengthening control. In many ways, effectiveness of the un-shadowing depends on the data quality, interaction between state institutions and clear understanding of risks. This was stated by acting Head of the State Tax Service Lesya Karnaukh during the forum “Follow the money. New approaches to combating money laundering”, organized by the Radio NV.

“Each of the state bodies, primarily those working in financial sector, possesses significant amounts of information. It is extremely important to have interaction model between all of them, under which this data will help the state to more accurately identify real risks. And the main thing is not to create unnecessary burden on honest business and taxpayers” – Lesya Karnaukh noted.

Special attention was paid during the forum to modernization of the simplified taxation system. According to acting Head of the State Tax Service, it must meet modern economic realities and at the same time maintain its main function – to be simple and understandable regime for small business.

“Unfortunately, there are many cases where the simplified system is used to fragment business and, accordingly, minimize taxes. And this situation must be changed” – Lesya Karnaukh emphasized.

Another key direction is development of the risk-based approach to tax control.

“State Tax Service has a clear position – not control for the sake of control, but quality of audits and precisely where there are real risks” – outlined acting Head of the State Tax Service.

According to her, the Tax Service is actively working on development of analytics and improving information exchange. The focus is on transactions where there is a reasonable risk.

Effective combination of these components is precisely the balance that the State Tax Service is building with the banking sector, Ministry of Finance, National Bank of Ukraine, Economic Security Bureau and business.