Planned legislative changes introducing universal cash register systems in Georgia will bring significant technical adjustments and additional costs for businesses, according to Davit Papiashvili, Managing Partner at Kreston Georgia.
Speaking on BMGTV, Papiashvili said the reform is primarily aimed at improving tax administration and strengthening oversight, allowing the Revenue Service to access real-time data not only on cash transactions but also on card payments. He noted that while cash transactions are already automatically reported via GPRS-enabled cash registers, card payments currently flow through bank accounts without direct, real-time tax authority access.
He added that a key concern is the transition period. Under the current plan, existing cash registers can be used only until May 1, 2028, which he said may create uncertainty for businesses that have recently invested in equipment they will soon need to replace.
The reform will also affect vending machines and other automated sales systems, as existing exemptions from cash register requirements will be removed. While Papiashvili welcomed the planned reduction in card payment fees to 0.3%, he warned that banks may offset losses through adjustments in other fees or charges.
