Latvian Association of Regions proposes establishing micro-enterprise tax rate at 12% instead of 15%, as well as state that calendar year turnover for micro-enterprises is not to be reduced to EUR 40,000, as it is proposed by the government, but to be kept at the current restriction – under EUR 100,000.
Of the 28 proposals submitted by LAR, emphasis is put on securing stability for residents and enterprises, as well as maintaining the current level for quality of life.
LAR Saeima faction leader Nellija Kleinberga notes: “We cannot support a tax reform proposed by the government that is supported by neither the Bank of Latvia nor Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. On top of that, this reform does not serve the interests of Latvian residents. This is why we hope government parties will listen to our proposals.”
Deputies have also submitted a proposal to cancel vehicle operation tax and include excise tax for fuel in necessary expenses to make application of the tax more justified for drivers who seldom use their vehicle.
For Labor Law, deputies propose gradually increasing minimal monthly wage for normal work hours – EUR 400 in 2018, EUR 415 in 2019 and EUR 430 in 2020.
To contribute to increase of clean food consumption and support farms, it is proposed to establish reduced VAT rate (12%) for biological agricultural products starting from January 1, 2018.
As for education, LAR proposes making sure that the Cabinet of Ministers establishes an order under which teachers can qualify for social support program as a result of the school network optimization. Also deputies have submitted a proposal to make sure municipalities are able to secure teachers social guarantees as stated in the Law on Remuneration of Officials of State and Municipal Institutions.
To reduce inequality, deputies propose not taxing benefits paid by employers in the event of childbirth. Currently Law on Personal Income Tax provides that employers can provide funeral cost support (without it exceeding EUR 213.43). This benefit is not applied with PIT. At the same time, the law does not provide equal benefits for employers if they wish to support their employees when a child is born in their family. (BNN/Business World Magazine)
