Armenian taxi drivers will have their state duty debts written off, totaling 1.34 billion drams

YEREVAN, September 24. /ARKA/. Those involved in passenger transportation services will be relieved of their outstanding license debts. A bill to this effect received a positive assessment from the parliamentary committee on economic affairs on Wednesday.

The legislation stipulates the cancellation of debts for taxi drivers, specifically state duties and accrued penalties.

Armen Simonyan, Deputy Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure, noted that from 2015 to 2019, licenses for passenger transportation using a single vehicle (taxi) were issued to nearly 11,000 individuals.

"During this period, over 5,000 taxi drivers accumulated debts exceeding 1.34 billion drams, which includes more than 927 million drams as the principal amount owed in state fees, and 415 million drams in accrued penalties," remarked Simonyan.

He further elaborated that modern digital systems facilitate the creation of a more effective control mechanism, and starting from September 1, 2024, individuals will no longer need to apply anywhere, complete any forms, or personally pay the amounts as state fees or taxes.

"All of this is managed electronically, through a platform developed by the State Revenue Committee. Currently, over 90% of all taxi orders are processed via digital applications. Based on this, the proposed bill seeks to provide amnesty for debts incurred between 2015 and 2019," Simonyan added.

The deputy minister indicated that there are currently around 76 licensed organizations, 967 individual entrepreneurs, and 2,400 private taxi drivers operating in the passenger transportation sector.

"Moreover, in accordance with the proposed legislation, all cases pending with the Enforcement Service will be dismissed, and exemptions from the obligation to pay legal fees and enforcement costs will also be included in enforcement proceedings," Simonyan stated. ($1 = 382.72 drams). 382.72 drams).-0-