“There are currently no delays in budget execution; on the contrary, it is being exceeded,” asserted GD First Deputy Minister of Finance Giorgi Kakauridze.
He labelled attempts to portray budget issues as “disinformation and a deliberate deception of the public.”
“We have heard absurd claims that the Revenue Service is asking companies to pay taxes in advance, which is simply not true. Such a scenario is impossible. Regarding ‘other taxes,’ it’s important to note that companies pay income tax alongside salaries, which is included in ‘other taxes’ and reported by the 15th of the following month. All companies are well aware of this, and I believe these statements serve no purpose other than to mislead,” Kakauridze explained.
He acknowledged a general tax deficit, specifically pointing to excise duty.
“The only notable shortfall we have is in excise duty, which has a clear explanation. New regulations concerning tobacco took effect this year, resulting in lower import volumes compared to the first quarter of previous years. Additionally, companies had existing stocks. However, this excise duty deficit will be fully resolved in the coming months,” Kakauridze added.
