Respect for Taxpayers Day

Section: Members Highlights / WTA Blog
5 January 2018

 

The Respect for Taxpayers Day becomes an official commemorative day in Lithuania to be celebrated on the 11th of May. A recently adopted law is a result of a petition submitted by the Lithuanian Free Market Institute.

“Taxes form the basis of public finance. The Respect for Taxpayers Day will honor all taxpayers who contribute to the well-being of our society,” says Žilvinas Šilėnas, President of the Lithuanian Free Market Institute.

An average salary earner in Lithuania pays more in taxes than he spends on food, housing and clothing put together. Citizens pay for the functioning of the state and public services. Not surprisingly, taxation is a top concern for Lithuanian citizens. According to Eurobarometer, one-fifth of Lithuanians consider taxes as a major issue.

“Lithuanians file their annual tax returns in May, and public debates about taxes heighten then. The Respect for Taxpayers Day will increase the understanding of the tax system and awareness of how taxes are spent,” Žilvinas Šilėnas says.