Tax department tests out online payment system

The tax department said on Monday it is running tests on a system which will enable people to pay their overdue taxes online, adding that if all goes well the system could go live next week.

In order to pay tax arrears in this way, taxpayers will have to register with the ‘Ariadne’ government gateway portal (https://eservices.cyprus.gov.cy/).

Once logged into the system, a person will be able to select the mode of payment of tax arrears in instalments.

Overdue debts under €100,000 can be paid in 54 monthly instalments whereas those exceeding €100,000 can be paid in 60 instalments.

For persons wishing to settle all their tax arrears at once, the tax department is offering an amnesty (of up to 95 per cent) on the penalties, such as interest.

For example, if the actual arrears come to €100,000 and the penalties are €30,000, the taxpayer will pay the €100,000 plus 5 per cent of the €30,000.

Precise details on how to use the system will be announced at the launch.

Also on Monday, the House finance committee approved a request from the personnel department of the finance ministry for the National Guard to hire 44 military officers.

The request was filed as an exemption to a broader hiring freeze in the public sector.

The exemption was requested in order to allow the appointment of graduates of military academies in Greece.

The positions approved concern 44 lieutenants to be hired on the A8 pay scale.

 

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