Representatives of SMEs protest outside Armenian government

Over 400 traders have gathered outside the Armenian government today to protest the Law on Turnover Tax that will take effect on October 1, 2014.

Protesters say that in addition to resulting in additional red tape, the law will create terrible tax conditions.

The main reason for discontent is that big businessmen often do not present any documents about goods to those who engage in small and medium-sized business. Under the new law, if a businessman fails to submit documents to the tax agency for the first time, he will receive a warning, the next time – he will be fined 20,000 AMD, and then fined in the amount of 5% of the turnover tax.

Traders demand that big businessmen should not be allowed to evade taxes.

Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan met with protesters outside the government building. He said he is ready to receive a delegation of 20 protesters to hear their demands.