Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced on Friday that his government has extended the deadline for Armenia’s mandatory income declarations, a requirement affecting hundreds of thousands of citizens.
Under a law passed two years ago, universal income declarations are gradually being introduced in Armenia, expanding beyond senior state officials and their families to include ordinary citizens. Officials argue that this measure will curb tax evasion and help the government better identify those in need of financial aid.
Initially, over 700,000 Armenians with registered employment or businesses were required to file electronic declarations by May 1, reporting their wages as well as remittances or cash gifts under 300,000 drams ($750) per transfer. However, Pashinyan announced that the deadline has been postponed until November 1, citing the fact that many citizens lack the new ID cards necessary for submitting disclosures.
“The waiting list for new ID cards is already long, and not everyone will receive them by November 1,” Pashinyan told journalists, assuring that those unable to meet the deadline due to this issue will not be penalized.
However, his remarks failed to address growing public frustration over the lack of clarity surrounding the declaration process. Many citizens have complained that the State Revenue Committee’s (SRC) electronic filing system remains dysfunctional, adding to the confusion and discontent.
Despite Pashinyan’s repeated assurances that universal income declarations will not lead to increased taxation, opposition lawmakers remain skeptical, warning that the measure could result in an increased financial burden on the population.
