The Russian government has rolled out new income statement forms aimed at enhancing transparency and accessibility for taxpayers, including both employees and self-employed individuals. Starting from February 10, taxpayers can obtain an expanded income statement from the tax authority, which will detail accrued penalties, reserves, and other significant financial indicators.
According to the Federal Tax Service's order issued on November 5, 2024, the updated form will include information on penalties, allowing users to view their financial standing whether they have positive, negative, or zero balances. Previously, the calculations of penalties were only visible to taxpayers with negative balances. The new version of the income statement will also reflect the penalty costs as of January 1, 2023, clarify the periods during which penalties have been incurred, and provide detailed breakdowns of these amounts. This shift marks a significant improvement for taxpayers who have previously had limited access to their financial status.
The introduction of the new forms aligns with efforts to streamline tax reporting processes and improve the efficiency of the tax administration. The updates are set to replace the old templates established by earlier tax directives, particularly those violating the old regulations issued on November 30, 2022.
For those seeking to obtain income statements through the 'Diia' portal, the process remains straightforward. Business owners and self-employed professionals can gain access to their salary certificates by registering or logging in at diia.gov.ua. It requires users to select the specific time frame for their income information, submit the request, and then await notification of its readiness, typically processed within 30 minutes. Once available, users can easily download the document from the ‘Received Documents’ section of their account.
This ease of access is particularly beneficial for individuals filing for unemployment benefits or seeking new employment opportunities, as the certificates serve as official proof of income. The income information derived from the State Register of Taxpayers reflects all payments made, including tax withholdings and contributions.
Minor adjustments have also been made concerning the certification rates for employees with disabilities. Effective immediately, employers are informed of the special rates applicable under the unified social tax law. Employers are allowed to apply lower contribution rates if they have also confirmed the disability status of their employees. This small yet impactful change aims to bolster employment opportunities for individuals who may face additional challenges within the workforce.
Even outside these reforms, the government is encouraging businesses to familiarize themselves with the newly enacted wage statement forms. The Ministry of Labor recently updated the structure and requirements surrounding the average wage certificate, which individuals may need when applying for unemployment benefits. The new version, effective from February 11, 2025, requires different necessary details, such as taxpayer identification numbers and specific addresses even for layoff cases.
Following the changes, the Ministry has stated previously regulated forms under order No. 604n from July 27, 2023, will be phased out, underscoring the shifting compliance leaders must adjust to if they aim to remain operational within the framework of current legislation.
The prime goal of these updates is to boost transparency within the tax system and to provide individuals with clearer access to their financial documentation. With these adjustments, the government hopes to engender trust and facilitate smoother cooperation between taxpayers and lead authorities.
Both the implementation of the new forms and the ease of access are refreshing steps toward modernizing record-keeping and tax-related processes within the country, reflecting the government’s commitment to adapting and improving the financial autonomy of its citizens.