The head of the ACSES Analytical Center, economist Haykaz Fanyan, has proposed a comprehensive solution to address the challenges encountered in implementing Armenia's universal income declaration system. As of January 24, 2024, only 1,670 people out of the required 800,000–820,000 citizens had submitted their declarations.
According to Fanyan's analysis, the main obstacles in the declaration process are the lack of electronic signatures among the majority of citizens and difficulties in obtaining banking information. Out of over one million citizens holding ID cards, only 150,000–180,000 have access to electronic signatures.
Fanyan has outlined several solutions to these issues. First and foremost, he recommends that the State Revenue Committee, in collaboration with mobile operators, organize a simplified procedure for obtaining electronic signatures. With 230 offices collectively, the three major telecom operators could issue an average of 36 mobile IDs per day at each office by May 1, thereby meeting existing demand.
The expert also highlighted the issue of banking reports. Over 85% of those required to file declarations have term deposits or savings accounts earning interest; however, no bank currently provides the necessary information in electronic form. Fanyan suggests that the Central Bank mandate banks to generate special reports on interest income and notify clients via SMS or email.
Additionally, Fanyan proposes a novel approach to extend tax declaration deadlines by setting different deadlines for various age groups. For instance, citizens under 30 could file by May 15, those aged 30–40 by May 31, and so on. This staggered system, in his view, would help prevent system overload in the final days of submission.
Fanyan emphasized that implementing a universal declaration system is an essential reform already adopted in over 100 countries worldwide. Instead of debating its necessity, he urged focusing on improving the mechanisms of its implementation.
