Extending The Use Of The Tax Number

The Parliamentary Group of the Left Alliance proposes the introduction of a tax number in new areas to combat the gray economy. In addition to the construction sector, the tax number is presented for the accommodation and restaurant sector, the real estate services sector and the technology industry. The construction tax number came into force in 2011 and has effectively reduced the gray economy in the sector.

– The government has ready and proven tools here to combat the gray economy and increase state tax revenues. Therefore, it is a political choice whether Finnish subcontractors want a level playing field for their employees with blatantly low-wage employment companies or use undeclared work, says Jari Myllykoski, the first signatory to the bill.

The internationalization of the accommodation and restaurant industry, the real estate services industry and the technology industry, as well as the complexity of subcontracting chains, justify the expansion of the use of the tax number. The performance is part of the Left Alliance’s parliamentary group Tolkku’s working life campaign.

– The gray economy causes billions in tax losses in Finland, discriminates against honest entrepreneurs and drives Finnish workers to unemployment. The tax number in the construction sector has reduced undeclared work, so its introduction in other sectors should no longer be postponed, Myllykoski says.

Once the tax ID is kept visible, anyone can verify that the person is on the tax number register. However, workers in the accommodation and restaurant sector should not be required to keep the tag visible to customers for occupational safety reasons, but should present it to the visiting authority.

– The 2-3 euro hourly wages reported by Myer Turku Shipyard last year were a revival to reality. Multi-generational subcontracting chains increase the risks of underpayment and the gray economy, even though responsible companies like Meyer are trying to eradicate them, Myllykoski says.

– Large and international projects, for example in the maritime industry or the construction of large bioeconomy institutions, are necessary for Finnish employment, but the payment of taxes and compliance with working conditions must be closely monitored.