Tax ministry explains who will be removed from 'freeloaders' list'

The Minstry of Taxes and Duties have elucidated on who in Belarus will no longer be treated as social parasites. Minister for Taxes and Duties Siarhei Nalivayka told ONT TV that amendments will be introduced into Decree No 3 dated April 2, 2015 "On preventing social parastism."

As of today, the 'freeloader tax' is paid by ctizens who are officially employed less than 183 days. But with the expected amendments, there will be more space for people to qualify for tax exempt.

Unemployed women with children aged under 10 years old (previously under 7 years old) will no longer be regarded as 'freeloaders.' Members of local councils will also have powers to relieve citizens from this tax if their family goes through a tough financial situation.

The Ministry of Taxes and Duties does not advise Belarusians to evade the 'freeloader's tax' by presenting fake employment certificates from abroad. Siarhei Nalivayka said that this year the tax authorities from Eurasian Economic Union member states will sign an agreement on exchange of information. Under the deal, information about income of Belarus citizens in Eurasian Economic Union states will be updated automatically. The lists of people subjected to the freeloader's tax will be finalized by August 1.

As of today, over 1600 people reported themselves as freeloaders to the tax authorities in Belarus.