A law enacted by the government just over two years ago calls for a gradual introduction of universal income declaration in Armenia that has until now been obligatory only for senior state officials and members of their families. Officials say it will further complicate tax evasion and make it easier for the authorities to identify people who are really in need of government aid.
The more than 700,000 Armenians who have jobs or businesses registered with tax authorities were required submit such declarations electronically by May 1. They must report not only their wages but also remittances or other cash donations not exceeding 300,000 drams ($750) per transfer.
Pashinian said that the government has decided to push back this deadline until November 1. He attributed it to the fact that most citizens do not have new ID cards that are necessary for the financial disclosure.
Pashinian told journalists that the waiting list for such documents is already long and that not every applicant will necessarily obtain them by November 1. People missing the deadline for this reason will not be penalized by the authorities, he said.
Pashinian said nothing about growing complaints about a lack of clarity in the disclosure procedures. The fact that the electronic filing system created by the State Revenue Committee (SRC) is still not functioning properly is adding to the public discontent.
The premier reiterated instead that the universal income declaration will not increase the tax burden on the population. Opposition lawmakers have cast doubt on these assurances.