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The original was posted on /r/armenia by /u/ar_david_hh on 2024-10-10 23:31:29+00:00.
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Armenia overtakes Azerbaijan and Iran with GDP per capita at purchasing power parity (GDP-PPP): Global Finance article from May 2024
only when taking into account inflation rates and the cost of local goods and services can we get a more accurate picture of a nation’s average standard of living: the resulting figure is what is called purchasing power parity (PPP)
Countries by GDP-PPP per capita ($):
(1) Luxemburg $143,743
(51) Turkey $43,921
(77) Georgia $25,248
(82) Armenia $21,746
(83) Iran $21,220
(93) Azerbaijan $19,328
(190) South Sudan $455
...
Should we then automatically assume that in nations where PPP is particularly high the overall population is visibly better off than in most other places in the world? Not quite. We are dealing with averages and within each country structural inequalities can easily swing the balance in favor of those who are already advantaged.
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Armenia's budget revenues have doubled since 2017: IRS chief Badassian
2017 budget revenue: ֏1.238T
2024 budget revenue: ֏2.723T
BADASSIAN: This figure has been achieved without a significant increase in the tax burden. It is mainly thanks to economic growth and the reduction of the shadow economy.
I disagree with allegations that Armenia has high tax rates and that because of this many big businesses use loopholes to evade taxes. All opportunities and conditions for doing business have been created in Armenia. It is possible to pay taxes faithfully and be profitable. //
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taxi drivers are starting to register to pay taxes, which will allow them to take advantage of various benefits now or in the future
As you recall, the government made it "mandatory" starting in September for taxi drivers to pay taxes. It was already mandatory, but they made it easier to pay taxes and "reminded" that it was mandatory.
Drivers who work for major taxi apps aren't required to go through lengthy steps to pay taxes. Their employers are already automatically calculating and reporting taxi trips worth billions of drams, according to IRS chief Badassian.
As for individual taxi drivers, they are required to insert the fare amount into the tax authority's app after each ride to generate a digital record; the tax rate is ~2% for now. Some 30 individual drivers have already been registered in the last 10 days (unclear how many were registered in September).
BADASSIAN: We will regularly remind individual taxi drivers about the requirement. We are not going to resort to harsh administration. We will implement more programs aimed at increasing discipline voluntarily. We will also explain the importance of paying taxes, gradually encouraging voluntary registration. //
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Armenians are showing heightened interest in electric vehicles
Every year Armenians can import 8,000 EVs without paying customs duties. 7,400 slots are available to individuals and legal entities, while 600 are reserved for dealers or special orders.
In previous years, the number of imported EVs "did not even come close to the quota", said the Economy Minister Papoyan, but this year they have already imported all 7,400 units: 71% by individuals and 29% by legal entities.
Dealers are showing less interest in EVs, so today the Government made a decision to open up the 600 reserved slots so individuals can use them on a "first come, first serve" basis.
PASHINYAN (back from Moscow alive): This program has existed since 2019 and this is the first time we are facing this quota shortage. It's a good thing. I'd like to remind you that a few years ago we made a decision to exempt imported EVs from VAT.
Normally you would pay a 20% VAT [to Armenia], plus a 15% customs fee [to EAEU bloc]. We abolished the VAT for EVs, and coupled with EAEU's decision to grant customs waivers, today you can import 8,000 without a customs fee.
After this 8,000 quota is expended, you will pay a customs fee, but still no VAT. So you still have favorable conditions to import EVs regardless.
Lately, I've been noticing more and more gas stations in Yerevan and highways with electric chargers for EVs. These charges are often near cafes and businesses so people can spend time while the car is charging. This should be good for local businesses, too.
Most likely, starting next year, only new-ish EVs will qualify for quota. We don't want to incentivize the import of outdated EVs [with dangerous batteries that are expensive to dispose of]. //
DEPUTY PM MHER: Not only do we have VAT and customs waivers, but Armenia is among the few countries that have not imposed a utilization [disposal?] fee. But I think this process is much more expensive for EVs [because of dangerous battery disposal], so we might need to impose it.
[Get your Teslas now while you still can.] It's going to become a lot more difficult to receive customs-free quotas from EAEU in the future because Russia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan plan to assemble EVs locally. //
FINANCE MINISTER: We plan to implement property tax reforms for EVs. As you know, the size of property tax depends on the horsepower of the vehicle, and in the case of EVs this is "unfair", argue the EV supporters. We are conducting an analysis to draft a fair property tax calculation system. We will propose a new system later this year.
PASHINYAN: Very well, so right now both EVs and combustion engine vehicles pay [property] tax based on the horsepower? hahaha, a horse is still a horse hahaha.
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Government simplifies the process of registering cars for refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh
• refugees transported thousands of vehicles to Armenia, most of which have not yet been registered
• when registering cars, they will not be required to provide a certificate of absence of property tax debts
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quarter of Nagorno-Karabakh refugee families who qualify for 1st phase of permanent housing assistance have already applied for aid
As you know from the June 14 report, the Government launched a $2 billion housing assistance program for refugees. The first phase of applicants are families with 3 or more children, or those with disabled members, or those who lost a family member in war, etc. Each family member receives ֏2-֏5 million in subsidies to buy permanent housing.
The government expects 4,200 families to qualify/apply in this phase. Around 1,000 have already applied and are waiting for approval. The registrations for the first phase end on December 30.
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Government makes amendments to the voluntary knowledge exam process for teachers who wish to raise their salaries
The exams, which were introduced in 2020 and have led to thousands of teachers receiving a double-digit raise, have until now been paper-based.
• The exams will become electronic. The Education Minister believes it will expedite the process, reduce errors, and further improve the teachers' computer skills.
• Before the exam day, teachers can try a live demo to learn how the software works.
• The questions on tests will be randomized and different for each teacher. The current print papers are not sufficiently randomized.
• The test score will be shown to the teacher immediately. A day later they'll have access to full test results with each question and correct answer.
• Teachers will receive clear instructions on how to appeal the results.
PASHINYAN: The teachers still have to physically visit the exam centers, but the exams will be on computers.
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