In Ukraine, second-hand items may become more expensive: the head of the Verkhovna Rada Tax Committee accused stores of tax evasion

Danilo Hetmantsev, the head of the Tax Committee of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, accused second-hand stores of tax evasion.

He made this statement on the air of the Kyiv 24 TV channel.

Hetmantsev claims that second-hand stores sell “unregistered clothes for unaccounted cash, primarily for further resale.” The “saved VAT on such sales by second-hand importers is ‘realized’ through the conclusion of fictitious contracts in the market, allowing other fraudsters to avoid paying VAT or even claim VAT refunds.”

He also noted that brand-name items are often imported under the guise of second-hand goods.

In comments to journalists, he added that the price is ultimately understated by tens of times.

“It’s great that stores selling brand-name items are operating, it’s great that second-hand stores are working. Let them operate and develop, but they must pay taxes on each item to support the army,” said Hetmantsev.

He did not specify what specific steps the authorities intend to take.