Many fines to business

TIRANA, Sep 6 – Fiscal administration has set some 100 million leks of fines to businesses only in August, a move that could have likely helped them reach the required figures on collection of taxes, but, on the other side, has negatively affected the development of the businesses environment.
The central government and the business have long been involved in a dispute over fines. The government claims the business should pay 15 percent of the fine set from its authorities before it may appeal the decision.
But businesses mention corruption background and say that amount could likely take them into bankruptcy.
The central government has been highly praised by international financial institutions, like the IMF, watching our country for the collection of taxation and other revenue. In august it had to collect 1.056 billion leks annually and very likely these fines have helped it reach that figure. In July that figure had reached 914 million leks.
Businesses say fines set from the taxation authorities are often not fair and if they pay the 15 percent amount before a court decides on that, they may go to bankruptcy.