Putin: No tax burden decrease without lower govt obligations

MOSCOW, Mar 24 (PRIME) -- The government always discusses measures to reduce fiscal pressure when it is possible, but the tax burden may fall only if state obligations decrease, President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting with the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs on Thursday.

“It is obvious that entrepreneurs must have an opportunity of long-term planning and additional funds for business expansion. If the Finance Ministry believes that the fiscal burden may be even decreased – fine. Then the government must choose which social liabilities must be cut: pensions, social benefits, defense and security costs,” he said, adding that this issue must be considered.

Earlier the government introduced a moratorium on adjusting the tax burden until 2018, the president said. Putin ordered the government to prepare proposals on optimization of regulatory agencies’ functions until July 1.

The Russian business has become more mature and transparent, and reputation of a law-abiding taxpayer became proof of companies’ investment attractiveness and sustainability, Putin also said.

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