The changes to the Tax Code as a result of the joint activity of the Government and businesses, the public and experts are aimed at eliminating the systemic corruption and abuse by regulatory authorities in the tax sphere. This was stated by Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman at the Government meeting on Wednesday.

"The Code, which is now ready, as a result of work with the public, experts, is an anti-corruption Tax Code, which stipulates for the elimination of "tax pits", liquidation of all shadow schemes, most of which are connected with cashing of funds, that is rife, unfortunately", said Volodymyr Groysman.

The Prime Minister noted that the Soviet system, which hadn’t been yet eradicated at full, provided for the establishment of such a tax system in which everyone who was engaged in business had to pay somebody, while the apparatus performing functions of the state, whether it is a tax inspector or other supervisor could come and by abuse bring someone to justice, and begin to exert pressure.

"Our goal is to make such Tax Code, which would be accepted by business community, which would give the opportunity to improve the quality of economic growth and, most importantly, would be directed to curbing corruption", he said.

The Head of Government noted that for 4 months the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine had engaged in serious work on discussion of amendments to the Tax Code.

In particular, they were elaborated together with the public and experts. In this context, Prime Minister thanked the business associations and business advisors, who participated in the discussion process and elaboration of changes, namely: Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Ukraine, Union of Ukrainian Entrepreneurs, American Chamber of Commerce, European Business Association, Council of Business Ombudsman, and others.

Moreover, the decisions on amendments to the Tax Code were considered at the meetings of the National Council of Reforms chaired by President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko.

"After preliminary discussions at the National Council of Reforms, and among the expert community, business groups, this Code is expected, we will do everything we can to ensure its fast approval and implementation", said the Prime Minister.

With this purpose, Volodymyr Groysman suggested to initiate an extraordinary meeting of the National Council of Reforms for consideration of tax changes, so that the Government could submit this document to the Ukrainian Parliament at the next plenary week.