It will remove obstacles in the application of tax and customs regulations

The Chamber of Commerce (PKCG) and the Revenue and Customs Administration (UPC) will work together to remove obstacles to the economy in the application of tax and customs regulations, their representatives announced.

A round table was organized in PKCG, during which representatives of companies that are large taxpayers and UPC discussed open issues and challenges in the tax policy of Montenegro.

The president of PKCG, Nina Drakić, said that this is the first in a series of meetings with the UPC, which will contribute to the removal of obstacles to the economy in the application of tax and customs regulations.

As reported by the PKCG, she especially emphasized that the Chamber will continue to be in intensive communication, and announced that one of the next topics of joint meetings will refer to the potential of the Free Zone of the Port of Bar.

The director of UPC, Rade Milošević, emphasized the importance of such meetings where, in a partnership atmosphere, possibilities for finding adequate solutions to challenges in the economy are discussed.

Milošević expressed the administration's commitment to simplifying procedures and removing business barriers and promised to implement the policy of open doors towards the economy and efficiency in work, and he emphasized the protection of the state budget as a priority.

"The Administration of Revenue and Customs will act in two directions - as a shield of the state budget, and as an advisor and educator for the needs of the economy," said Milošević.

He emphasized the exceptional importance of this institution considering the scope of work and revenues on which the functioning of the state apparatus depends.

According to him, preparations are in full swing for the smooth running of the tourist season.

As Milošević added, the officials of the Administration are very active in suppressing tobacco smuggling and fighting economic crime.

Milošević announced the introduction of the tax police.

The representatives of the Administration answered specific questions of the economy in connection with the application of tax, customs and regulations related to games of chance.

Among other things, their questions related to the possibility of a faster refund of the value added tax (VAT), the adoption of temporary decisions on the refund and compensation of this tax, the reprogramming of arrears and the acceleration of inspection supervision.

Businessmen believe that the former legal solution concerning the settlement of profit tax, which allowed them to settle in installments, would significantly relax their business.

They pointed out the occurrence of system congestion during the submission of IOPPD forms, to which they replied that they are working on improving the information system of the Administration so that this does not happen.

"Also, an initiative for the introduction of a service charge, which will contribute to the competitiveness of Montenegro in attracting quality personnel in the hospitality industry, has been nominated, and in this connection, the need to change the tax regulations has been highlighted," the announcement states.

The introduction of service charges into legal flows, as explained, would increase fiscal discipline and revenues for the state, and this would also contribute to the improvement of tourist services.

During the meeting, the Administration said that there will be no tolerance for those who do not issue fiscal invoices, and the necessity of harmonizing the laws on fiscalization and value added tax was also highlighted.

According to the Ministry of Finance, PKCG will initiate changes to the regulations in this direction, as well as organize more similar meetings with the Administration and training for the economy in order to apply the regulations in tax and customs policy more easily and efficiently.