Business community concerned over reference prices, tax campaign

TIRANA, Oct. 23 – Albania business community represented by the American Chamber of Commerce say reference price remain a key issue in relations with customs officials. In a meeting with the Customs Director General Flamur Gjymishka this week, AmCham representatives demanded more updated and realistic reference prices. Reference prices are becoming a burden for big importers especially from the tobacco industry, said Genc Boga of the Amcham.
However, customs director Gjymishka said the reference prices had been reduced to only 3.7 percent of total customs revenues. Chamber representatives also complained about the time needed for customs clearance and the online declaration.
The American Chamber of Commerce in Albania, representing over 200 members from a diverse list of industries has recently warned of a severe campaign by tax inspectors with repeated and unjustified controls is hampering the business life in Albania.
Chamber representatives say a severe tax office campaign has mounted wherein tax inspectors are implementing new interpenetrations of the tax law, including large fines for past activity already covered by previous inspections; Unprofessional behavior of tax official whose mandate seems to collect fines regardless of the business tax payments being proper according to existing law.
“Repeated and unjustified controls have hampered the business life. Previous tax controls always found to be wrong by inspectors. Inspectors frequently change interpretation and application of tax laws. Some inspectors are looking and relooking at business records back from 2006. This entire situation is far from the promise to create a stable climate for the business or a welcoming atmosphere for investors and especially foreign ones.”
VAT refunds are another concern for the business community.