Anton told entrepreneurs about the tax trends observed in 2019

An event jointly organized by three St. Petersburg business clubs (Leaders Club, Business Petersburg Club, Businesswomen Club) was held last Thursday on October 10, 2019. Anton Kabakov, partner at Forte Tax & Law and member of Leaders Club, spoke at this event which was held in an unusual format. First, the event participants discussed successful business cases and pressing business issues, and then they engaged in a debate or so-called “food feud”.

Anton Kabakov told entrepreneurs about the tax trends observed in 2019 and the related risks for business. Anton started by presenting some statistics and noted that the number of tax audits in St. Petersburg has decreased fourfold over the past 5 years, which is good news. He also answered a burning question for many companies, eager to find out in which cases tax authorities come to them for inspection. Anton described the criteria used by tax authorities to select companies for verification.

Among the main tax trends of the year, Anton noted the application of the much talked about Article 54.1 on unjustified tax benefit, calling it a “tax stick”. Anton set the background for the law, how it is applied essentially and, based on real cases, described in detail the risks for companies.

The second tax trend that Anton mentioned was the requalification of movable property as real estate property. Anton also shared the latest court practice on this issue.