We have a European directive that we have to comply with, whether we like it or not: non-payment of VAT should become a crime, said Lucian Heyus, president of ANAF, at the EY conference in Romania.

Lucian Heyusch, President of ANAFPhoto: Hotnews / Florin Barbuta

“It doesn’t really sit well with anyone, it doesn’t sound very nice, but it’s a directive. This will send a signal to those who prefer not to pay VAT that everything is wrong,” he said.

In 2023, he says, the tax inspectorate will act on this part of VAT, “see how much VAT is declared and underpaid, see what we are doing there.”

  • When the electronic invoice, e-Transport, becomes operational, it will reduce VAT evasion. It’s tempting to avoid it.

“I have a problem with paying VAT. VAT accounts for the largest share of the total amount of taxes owed and unpaid. If companies start paying everything, which means contributions, income tax, dividends, if they have to choose which taxes not to pay, if they don’t have 100% of the money, they always leave (after the absence of) VAT,” he also showed. Lucian Gayusch.