Azerbaijan to fight tax evasion in e-commerce
By Nigar Orujova
The strategy of the taxation system development in 2013-2020 adopted by Azerbaijan's Ministry of Taxes provides for development of control measures in e-commerce, an article published in Vergiler (Taxes) newspaper on June 10 says.
For this purpose it is envisioned to improve mechanisms of investigating tax evasion in e-commerce, create the "Electronic criminal case" concept, study economic reports about Azerbaijan released by international organizations, as well as develop relevant educational procedures in the tax authorities.
Moreover, the strategy includes measures to regulate transfer prices, to promote non-cash payments and to improve the electronic audit system, as well as to minimize tax-related risks.
The activities outlined in the strategy will be financed with funds allocated by the Ministry of Taxes from the state budget, extra-budgetary funds and other sources.
The electronic commerce market amounted to 901,100 manats (over $1.14 million) in Azerbaijan in January-May 2013, the State Statistics Committee said in June. 93.6 percent of the total volume of goods sold in the five-month period fell to foodstuffs.
E-commerce growth is closely linked to information and communication technologies development. 2013 was declared the Year of ICT in Azerbaijan.
Online payments became possible in Azerbaijan in early 2009. Five to six years are needed for online sales to develop fully in the country.
Currently, Azerbaijan is at the first phase of e-commerce implementation, with some products and services available online. In the future, the e-commerce sector will increase with online ticket and food ordering.
When consumers start ordering online products and services online, sellers will expand their offerings and improve the existing services, which will lead to a sizeable percentage of e-commerce volume in the country's economy.
E-commerce is an industry which concerns buying and selling of products or services online. The participants of e-commerce are legal entities and individuals engaged in e-commerce and buying goods and services.