Expert criticizes Ministry of Finance statement on store taxes: there is no European practice

Criticism of the Ministry of Finance Initiative

According to ХВИЛЯ: Expert Oleg Popenko criticized the statement of Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko regarding the introduction of tax payments in stores, pointing out the lack of a unified 'European practice' in this area. According to him, such initiatives are unlawful and do not correspond to the real conditions existing in other countries. Popenko emphasized that this is another example of the unprofessional approach from the Ministry of Finance.

Importance of International Standards

Popenko's criticism came on December 5, when he noted that the Ministry of Finance does not consider important nuances and conditions set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for receiving financing. It was noted that the IMF is launching a new four-year financing program for Ukraine worth over 8 billion dollars. One of the key aspects of this program is the fulfillment of certain conditions, including the taxation of income from online operations and the refusal of benefits regarding VAT payer registration.

Additionally, the expert pointed out the increased tax burden on entrepreneurs starting from 2025. In particular, for individual entrepreneurs (FOP) of the first group, the total amount of mandatory payments has nearly tripled, jeopardizing their financial stability.

'There is no European practice, this is typical deception from the Ministry of Finance.' Oleg Popenko

Popenko's statement emphasizes the importance of considering international standards and practices in the process of reforming Ukraine's tax system. In the context of the new financing program from the IMF, adherence to the conditions and recommendations of international financial institutions becomes critically important for the stability of the country's economy. The expert's reaction may indicate potential difficulties in implementing tax initiatives that could negatively impact small and medium-sized businesses, especially in the face of ongoing economic challenges.