Employers calling for end to RO e-VAT system regulations

The Employers' Association of Romanian Accounting Entrepreneurs (PACR) is calling for an end to what they say are "chaotic regulations" in the RO e-VAT system and to make tax authorities responsible at the same level as taxpayers.The employers are voicing "deep disappointment" with the implementation of the RO e-VAT system, arguing that it should be abolished, given a recent order of the chairman of the National Tax Administration Agency (ANAF) introducing a pre-filled VAT return, considered "inadequate and inopportune.""If the tax authorities insist on the implementation of the pre-filled VAT return, we would have expected that the amounts presumed by the authorities regarding the VAT payable or VAT to be recovered would be owned up by them."The amounts, they say, especially the VAT payable "requested by the tax authority from taxpayers, are not owned up by the authorities, which shows that the system cannot work efficiently."The employers also point to parts that are not owned up by the tax authorities."Row 38: 'VAT to be paid during the reporting period' - this fundamental element for the national budget, estimated at about RON120 billion from VAT, is not owned up by the authorities. The lack of this information can distort the national budget. Row 41: 'VAT payable cumulatively' - the most important information for any tax analysis, indicating the VAT due cumulatively by the taxpayer, is not included in the pre-filled statement. Row 44: 'Negative VAT amount to be paid' - although the term ?negative' is used, it represents the VAT to be refunded from the national budget to the taxpayer, essential for the national budget and taxpayers, especially for those who make investments or are exporters," according to the employers.The employers say the analysis of the controversial piece of legislation and the challenging situation ensuing the recent order of the ANAF chairman was carried out by Adrian Benta, a tax consultant and financial auditor.