Companies can submit online tax statements in 2008

Starting in the second half of next year, all companies will be able to submit their tax statements online, according to a statement released yesterday by Daniel Chitoiu, head of the Fiscal Authorities (The National Tax Administration Agency-ANAF). Since April 15th, only companies registered in Bucharest and Ilfov county, as well as large tax contributors (companies with annual turnovers exceeding 70 million RON) have been eligible to submit their fiscal statements online. In order to use the internet service, the companies require a digital certificate to identify the person in charge of making the payment, which is issued free of charge by the Ministry of Finance. So far, the tax authorities have received 3,572 applications for digital certificates, with 1,292 certificates already issued. At present, 627 fiscal statements have been sent online to the tax authorities. In the meantime, the Tax Administration Agency will take additional steps to reduce unnecessary red tape regarding the declaring and payment of taxes, added Daniel Chitoiu. From September 11th, reliable contributors will be able to pay all their taxes and contributions into just two accounts, via two payment orders. The current situation means companies are required to draw up a payment order for each specified tax. It is hoped that this measure will reduce the number of payment orders down to two – one to the state budget and one to the social security budget. For unreliable payers, the system will start operating from January 1st 2008, as a more complex IT system needs to be implemented.