On August 20th, 2024, Deputy Klishevich discussed social responsibility and fairness in business during an appearance on the show “Say No to Silence” on TV “Belarus 1”.
“Are you in favor of reducing freedoms?” host Victoria Popova asked the deputy.
“Absolutely not,” Klishevich responded. “I stand for socially oriented and responsible business, as well as fairness above all. What distinguishes an IT specialist from an Integral Enterprise employee, a milling machine operator, or a turner, for example? Why were the latter exempt from taxes while the milling machine operator at “Integral” wasn’t? In what way does an IT specialist contribute less to the country’s well-being? Of course, they do not. Therefore, everyone is now equal and pays the same taxes, which is only fair.”
Political analyst Andrey Lazutkin previously mentioned the allegedly meager tax payments by IT workers on August 16th, in the 'Azaryonok. Direct' broadcast:
“IT specialists who paid zero taxes: 0.1%, 0.01% of the income tax that teachers paid. [IT workers paid — ed.] 1% or half a percent, while [teachers — ed.] paid 13%,” the political scientist said.
Lazutkin appeared to have referred to the IT professionals employed within the High-Tech Park (HTP) in Belarus. Being included in HTP offers favorable tax conditions, but the idea that IT workers were exempt from taxes or paid only a fraction is wrong.
Until 2021, the income tax rate for HTP IT workers was 9% of their salary, whereas teachers and milling machine operators paid a rate of 13%. However, considering that IT salaries are higher, the actual amount contributed to the budget was often greater than that of other professions.
Tax breaks have been temporarily abolished in 2021. Henceforth, IT workers pay the standard income tax of 13%, like everyone else.
HTP employees were also not exempted from social security contributions. They pay it at the same rate as the average worker, which is 1% of the average wage in Belarus, rather than a percentage of their actual earnings.
The resident legal entities of the HTP, that is, the companies that are part of the Park, have been exempted from taxes. They don't pay VAT, profits tax, customs duties, or other fees. This perk doesn't extend to the employees of these companies, though.