Why is this important
Strengthening control over cash flow and transitioning to digital payments aligns with the government’s course to reduce the shadow economy. The introduction of mandatory cashless payments for large purchases makes financial transactions more transparent and reduces the possibility of concealing income. The new rules also systematize the approach to tax audits, digitization of data, and corporate responsibility, creating a more predictable and fair business environment. New grounds for inspections and a market approach to assessing the tax base make tax control more targeted and systematic.
What happened
- The President signed a decree establishing mandatory cashless payments for a number of goods and services and introducing new tax rules to combat the shadow economy.
- The tax base for real estate objects and construction materials will be determined based on their market value.
- The expedited refund of VAT without verification will not apply to enterprises whose founder or manager has evaded taxes, as well as to companies established or reorganized by such persons within the last 12 months.
- During a desk audit, tax authorities are obliged to consider the additional documents submitted by taxpayers.
New order
- From April 1, 2026, payment for real estate, cars, housing and communal services, and a number of other goods and services will be made only in non-cash form.
- From January 1, 2026, the activities of foreign legal entities providing electronic services and selling goods to individuals, if they operate without registration and do not register within 30 days after notification, will be restricted.
- Legal entities in the field of construction and trade are obliged to maintain records of data on the authorized capital and changes, including goods included in the authorized fund, and reflect them in the tax authorities’ database within 15 days.
- The expedited refund of VAT without verification will not apply to enterprises whose founder or manager has evaded taxes, as well as to companies established or reorganized by such persons within the last 12 months.
Checks and VAT
- The expedited refund of VAT without verification will not apply to enterprises whose founder or manager has evaded taxes, as well as to companies established or reorganized by such persons within the last 12 months.
- If violations are eliminated within the established timeframe and taxes, fees, and penalties are paid in full, officials are released from liability, including criminal liability.
- When selling goods related to licensed or permitted activities, the seller is permitted to issue invoices after automatically verifying the existence of a valid license.
Context
- Strengthening the role of cashless payments will reduce cash turnover and reduce the possibility of hidden transactions, improving the transparency of large transactions.
- Restricting the operation of unregistered foreign services reflects the global trend towards the tax liability of cross-border digital companies.
- Real estate, construction, and food import markets are traditionally the most sensitive to informal schemes, so the decree addresses key risk zones.
- Businesses will have to consider stricter requirements for inventory, reporting, and control of goods turnover, especially in construction, trade, and imports.
