How to find money without new taxes for residents?

International experts bring comments every two years to the Lithuanian economy, but Lithuanians are not very keen on the reference to foreign advice.

« You may need to take some consideration of what the experts say, but it is not a silver bullet, you have to use your head as well, » the interviewer said.

When the authorities are looking for money, the organization of economic cooperation and development, the organization calls for only one tax to expand.

« Real estate taxes are one of the least damaging to the economy, but Lithuania is not exploited enough in Lithuania, » said Isabell Koske, deputy director of the EECD study department.

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It is estimated that Lithuania collects 200 million from real estate tax. EUR five times less than on average other developed countries. The Vice -Minister promises that the symbolic fee will change quickly into the universal.

« The current real estate tax is very limited, we collect very little money, these changes will still expand the tax base. That universality will increase in any case, » said Kristupas Vaitiekūnas, Vice -Minister of Finance.

Although the discount on first housing is considered, residents are determined to pay not at all.

« I consider it a fundamental thing that every person should have without additional taxation, and if you have two or more, you are a little richer and can afford, » he said.

The OECD offers that low -earning taxes may not pay – accumulate it to the sale of housing.

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« We are considering similar options to prevent people with the lowest income, » said the Vice -Minister of Finance.

A foreign expert says that money can be raised in Lithuania without tax burden residents. But the authorities should cut their own garden – to reduce the number of officials.

« Where can you find money? One way is the more efficient use of costs. The public sector is higher than in other countries, and wages are 10 % exceeding the private sector, » said Deputy Director of Studies Division of the OECD countries.

How much money is here, the OECD does not name it. However, it knows exactly how much it can be pulled out of the value of the value added tax – about $ 800 million. euros.

« The difference between what can be collected by the current rates, between what is actually collected is less collected, therefore, the taxes are concealed, » explained Simonas Krėpšta, a member of the Board of the Bank of Lithuania.

« Reducing this gap to a level as Estonia and Latvia would receive about 1 % of GDP additional income, » Koske said.

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But the rulers of hidden taxes have little to do with the rulers. On the contrary, it has registered a number of suggestions on how to empty VAT income further. Offers benefits for vegetables, fruits, cafes, restaurants.

« The Ministry of Finance does not see very space for the benefits at the moment, » said the Vice -Minister of Finance.

« Our elected members of the Seimas want to show that they have power, but this is not very good with the current situation – we just need to raise more taxes, » said Algirdas Sysas, Chairman of the Seimas Budget and Finance Committee.

However, Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas is also in no hurry to take into account the comments of foreign experts.

« When discussing any tax changes, we will do so honestly with our society, municipalities, business associations, consumer groups. It will have an impact on us, not the OECD or other institution, » the prime minister said.

The OECD is positive about economic growth positively – this year it has to grow 3 % as residents and business will actively buy goods and services.