In an interview for ATA, the Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy Vasilika Vjero gave details on some of the findings as well as explained some of the proposals being discussed in two laws, that of “Income Tax” and “On tax procedures”. .

Vjero assured that the legal changes will not affect small business.  She emphasized that the government will stick to its commitment not to tax this category.

“Following the leak of salaries a few months ago, there were raised doubts regarding the level of salaries that were declared. Based on the information gathered, risk assessment and the entire range of data contained in the tax administration, but also in other institutions with which we cooperate, it was noticed that these salaries did not represent the real salary of the employees “, said Vjero.

Therefore, Vjero said, we had good reason for setting up the Anti-Informality Unit, which will be temporary.

According to her, the Unit has focused only on the level of salaries.

Deputy minister stressed that a number of taxpayers have been questioned and have admitted that part of the salary is not paid through the banking system.

“The control of individuals is delicate and the international experience considers it a bit complicated and at the moment that the Tax Administration focuses on the control of individuals, this is certainly the peak of its performance, because to control an individual you must have data from many sources such as money laundering, State Police, data from banking transactions, property, employment, inheritance, participation in shares, before being presented to the individual for interview. Many analyzes have been performed. We have an experience started a year and a half ago, where a special department has been created that should treat individuals, mainly with high incomes. We have the assistance of the IMF, where detailed risk profiles, strategies and work processes have been drafted. This is where the work of the Unit is based “, stated the deputy minister.

According to her, this is a process that takes time, but she believes that the results will be positive and will affect the correction of the behavior of individuals and employers.

Vjero also that the Unit has selected and audited 32 individuals employed mainly in the construction and insurance sector. According to her, a total of 100 individuals have been selected who will be subject to controls that the tax administration will investigate during the current year./p.s./

The Bank of Albania said that the lowering of standards was applied to both consumer loans and those for purchase of houses.

Lending standards for households improved due to increased competition in the banking system, banks’ perception of lower risk related to the borrower’s solvency, as well as higher risk tolerance for loans to households during this quarter. The general easing of lending terms was achieved mainly through the easing of non-pricing terms.

The latter was influenced by the increase in the size of the loan, the lower collateral requirements in relation to the loan taken, as well as the extension of the maximum loan maturity. In the second quarter of 2021, banks expect to further ease lending to households, especially consumer loans. /j.p/p.s./

According to data published by the Bank of Albania, loans taken by individuals to purchase houses are estimated at over 26 billion Lek.

BoA estimated that the general terms and conditions for loans to households were eased in the fourth quarter of 2020

According to a survey of the Bank of Albania, lending standards for households eased in the last quarter of 2020. The easing of standards was applied to both consumer and housing loans. In the first quarter of 2021, banks expect to further facilitate lending standards, especially in consumer loans.

The role of banks in Albania has been very important in lending to households and especially in home loans, contributing positively to the aggregate demand for this sector.

The loan portfolio of households at the end of 2020 amounted to about 127 billion Lek./p.s./