site.btaNational Revenue Agency Closes Entire Unit and Lays Off Some 300 Tax Officers

Sofia, April 14 (BTA) - The National Revenue Agency (NRA) Friday announced that it is closing down all of its operational inspection units in its territorial structures and laying off all tax officers working in them. According to trade union leaders quoted by the press, over 300 people will be made redundant as of May 1.

The NRA does not explain the reason for this shakeup but the unions believe that it is prompted by the bringing of charges for bribes and money laundering against 11 employees at this unit in late March. According to the unions, the NRA's decision tarnishes the reputation of everyone to be laid off because thus far none of them have been found guilty.

In its press release, the NRA says only that despite the closure of the operational inspection units, the daily control over the observation of tax and insurance legislation will be ensured.

In addition to the changes in the NRA's structure, the leadership of the National Revenue Agency plans to conduct an overall analysis and review of the activity of its main functions: Servicing, Collection, and Control. Depending on the results, an evaluation will be made of the need to change the business processes and the organization of the NRA's work.

According to the trade unions, this entails additional layoffs.

Dnevnik.bg writes that on April 16 the Podkrepa Confederation of Labour will stage a protect procession against the planned structural changes at the NRA. According to Podkrepa, these changes have not been coordinated with trade unions, as required by the Public Official Act. They have written to Prime Minister Boyko Borissov and the NRA Executive Director has invited them to a Social Partnership Council meeting on April 17.