In a clever bit of diplomacy, hoteliers association AHRESP has applauded the government’s zeal in cracking down on receipts fraud but appealed for time out, as it claims businesses are being unfairly penalised.
“The scourge of the parallel economy cannot put at risk the subsistence of businesses that struggle daily for survival, stoically complying with all the elevated obligations that impede our economic activity,” the association announced in a new release last week. But, it adds, neither should businesses be “penalised”.
And for the time being, this is exactly what has been happening.
As we wrote in our cover story of the May 2 edition “Panic as government fraud squad pulls invoicing software in cafés and restaurants”, businesses across the board woke up on April 24 to find their invoicing software had been outlawed overnight.
Tax inspectors were briefed to go out in the field and fine anyone and everyone using the iECR system. But as AHRESP points out, the national operation “provoked the closure of businesses and put economic activity at risk” as well as causing the waste of “tons of products”.
“Our businesses cannot be penalised for having acquired certified software, recommended by the government… and then have the same government withdraw certification with immediate effect,” says the association.
For all businesses know, it added, “tomorrow” any new system they choose could also be outlawed – after yet again having spent hundreds, if not thousands, of euros trying to become legal.
“We ask for ponderation,” says the association, and a “reasonable period” in which businesses can renew their receipts software without being hammered by tax inspectors.
Calling for a “more just, transparent system for all”, AHRESP is now waiting for an official response.
