Nicosia: The tax reform bills are expected to be completed within the next few days, Finance Minister Makis Keravnos said on Wednesday evening, noting that they are currently at the Law Office.
According to Cyprus News Agency, in his statements after a meeting with the Tax Commissioner and the General Secretariat of SEK trade union, Keravnos mentioned that they had a ‘very productive discussion’ regarding the tax reform. During this meeting, SEK presented their supplementary proposals on the tax reform. The Finance Minister noted that ‘a lot of clarifications were given’ both from the government to the union and vice versa, contributing to the timely and comprehensive completion of the tax reform package, which will then be tabled to Parliament.
When asked about the current status of the bills, the Minister confirmed that they are with the Law Office for legal vetting and that completion is expected ‘within the next few days.’ On the possibility of amendments, Keravnos stated that ‘amendments are always made until the last minute,’ emphasizing that while the main philosophy of the tax reform ‘remains the same,’ there could be changes to secondary issues through consultations.
SEK Secretary General Andreas Matsas expressed gratitude to the Finance Minister for a “substantive, fruitful and productive meeting,” which allowed the union to present additional proposals. He highlighted the effort to achieve a balanced, comprehensive, and socially just tax reform, and welcomed the focus on combatting tax evasion.