Your trusted source

A group of small and medium-sized entrepreneurs has taken to the streets in Armenia’s Artashat town since Monday morning, to protest what some of them described as “terror” tactics used by Armenia's tax authorities.

The demonstrators, who have closed their shops since early morning, have gathered at the Artashat branch of the State Revenue Committee, to complain about the committee’s illegalities and demand the resignation of Rashid Makhmudyan, the local taxing chief, who, according to the protesters, have subjected them to a ‘tax terror’ for years.

“Tax inspectors carry out illegalities towards the heads [of stores], demand large sums of money [from them] in roundabout ways and punish those who refuse to give. This has been going on for many years,” one of the protesters told reporters, blaming the tax inspectors for abusing their power.

Another protester stated they are taxed without taking into account their businesses’ size and turnover. “Firstly, we are protesting against the head of the tax collection department, Mr. Rashid Makhmudyan to remove him from the system at all,” he said.

The man also called on Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to make tax reforms in the next few months as promised by him, stressing they do not evade taxes, but it is simply impossible to conduct a hundred percent legal activities under today’s laws.

Chairman of the State Revenue Committee David Ananyan, who visited the town to meet the protesters, said they are obliged to conduct a service investigation before bringing the responsible officials to justice.

He promised to ease the tax burden on the entrepreneurs and give a lasting solution to the issue, calling on the protesters to resume their normal business activity.