Tax Service outlines steps to curb asset leakage and enforce retroactive safeguards

The Federal Tax Service continues to advance a framework aimed at limiting the ability of certain individuals to move assets overseas or otherwise sidestep tax obligations. This approach was outlined by the agency’s head, Daniil Yegorov, in a recent interview. The explanation centered on a growing concern that some taxpayers manage to evade taxes by exploiting gaps in the system, a problem that has persisted despite existing controls and monitoring mechanisms. The agency indicated that the problem affects a substantial portion of the tax base, with estimates suggesting billions of rubles could be shielded from taxation due to the actions of unscrupulous taxpayers. The operative term in discussion is a retroactive conditional state guarantee, a tool that has been contemplated as a means to patch these vulnerabilities and to deter attempts to channel assets beyond national borders. Although the concept has been acknowledged in policy circles and by observers, there is a consensus that current legal tools do not sufficiently address the loopholes that allow these activities to persist. The discussion underscores the need for measures that can be applied retroactively when evidence points to improper asset handling, thereby stopping exit flows while preserving the essential operation of enterprises. In practical terms, the idea is to allow businesses to continue using their fixed assets for production and other day-to-day activities, but to restrict the sale or transfer of those assets to external buyers until compliance issues are resolved. The aim is to ensure that production lines stay active and that supply chains remain intact, preventing broader disruptions that could ripple through the economy. There is a recognition that any intervention must be precise and proportionate, avoiding unnecessary disruption to legitimate business operations while closing the gaps that enable opportunistic behavior. The agency’s leadership stressed that these measures would focus on material assets used in production, rather than targeting ordinary, unrelated expenditures, and would be applied in a manner that minimizes harm to ongoing business activities. In parallel, Yegorov cautioned against interpreting these discussions as a form of tax pressure or intimidation. He noted that investigations conducted by the Tax Service are generally warranted and justified, driven by observable indicators or risk signals rather than broad, indiscriminate action. The policy framework is being shaped with the understanding that inspections and audits should respond to concrete grounds, and that past practice of initiating reviews only after a problem has become visible has evolved into a more proactive, risk-based approach. This shift, according to the official, reflects lessons learned from earlier years when inquiries could arise well after the fact, whereas today the emphasis is on timely intervention when reliable reasons emerge. The announcement also touched on the broader context of tax collection in the country, highlighting the importance of transparent procedures and predictable enforcement to support fiscal stability. It was noted that the system should balance the need to safeguard state revenues with the objective of preserving the entrepreneurship climate. In a separate update, the former head of the Tax Service relayed a message to the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, detailing a record uptick in tax revenues. The communication underscored gains achieved in recent periods and reinforced the sense that the tax system is adapting to evolving economic conditions. While these developments draw public interest and speculation, officials emphasize that the ultimate goal remains clear: to strengthen compliance, close loopholes, and maintain a fair and robust fiscal environment for businesses and individuals alike. [Source attribution: Federal Tax Service briefing]