North Macedonia: North Macedonia Tax Chief Highlights Policy Role in Curbing Informal Economy

On 16 September 2026, the Public Revenue Office (PRO) reported that its Director General, Ms. Elena Petrova, alongside assistant directors, participated in an international academic conference titled “Tax Policy, Inequality, and the Informal Economy” held in Ohrid from 11 to 13 September 2026. The conference gathered policymakers, academics, and tax administration leaders to discuss the interplay between fiscal policy design, income inequality, and the prevalence of undeclared economic activity. Ms. Petrova emphasized that an effective, transparent, and equitable tax policy is the cornerstone for reducing the informal economy and enhancing tax fairness. The PRO’s participation underscores North Macedonia’s commitment to aligning its tax administration practices with international best practices and OECD recommendations on base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS). The event also provided a platform for bilateral exchanges with regional tax authorities on joint enforcement strategies.

Key Takeaways

  • Policy-Driven Compliance: The PRO leadership advocates for structural tax policy reforms—such as broadening the tax base, simplifying compliance, and enhancing progressivity—as the most sustainable tools to shrink the shadow economy.
  • International Collaboration: Engagement in multilateral forums signals North Macedonia’s intent to adopt global standards, including automatic exchange of information and digital reporting frameworks, to combat cross-border tax evasion.
  • Focus on Tax Fairness: The conference highlighted the link between perceived tax fairness and voluntary compliance, urging the PRO to continue improving taxpayer services and communication to build trust.

Disclaimer: This article is compiled and summarized by the AI based on publicly available information and is for general information purposes only. It does not constitute any form of formal tax advice, legal opinion, or basis for performance. Please consult a qualified professional tax advisor or legal counsel for tax advice.

Source: Read Official Announcement