In recent weeks, there has often been talk of expected revenues and inflated expectations for the National Revenue Agency (NRA), including in relation to the 2026 budget. The assessment was made in his first television interview in the studio of "The Day Begins" by the Executive Director of the National Revenue Agency Hristo Markov.
"In any case, our admission to the eurozone will have a positive impact. As the 21st country to use the euro in the world's second-largest economic zone with over 341 million consumers, the effect on revenues will be positive," Markov said.
In recent months, the NRA has been tasked with large-scale inspections, including for unjustified price increases and correct indication of prices in euros and leva.
"We are tasked with the functions of protecting consumers. Two types of inspections are carried out - for unjustified price increases and whether the price in euros, in leva and the exchange rate is correctly written on the fiscal receipt," Markov explained.
According to him, in the first 700 inspections, the violations were below 10%:
"This is quite good for us. In the second type of inspections, the number of punitive decrees is even smaller. There is no reason to worry about traders who work reasonably and do not raise prices unreasonably."
How is an unjustified price increase proven?
"It is very difficult, because it involves a large set of documents - factors from suppliers, costs, to establish whether there is an unjustified price increase. Not in all cases," said the director of the NRA.
According to him, a justified price increase is one that is due to:
"Increase in wages, increase in electricity and other documented costs that affect the market price."
From January, the NRA will carry out over 400 inspections per day.
"We will lower the prices on the day of the inspection and after 10 days we will inspect the same object again. This is in order not to make it difficult for business, because otherwise the inspections become long and the effect is lost, "explained Markov.
And he added:
"I want to reassure business – traders who are honest and correct will not suffer. VAT revenues this year are 2 billion and 800 million more – about 24% compared to last year," said Markov.
According to operational data, total revenues are 50 billion and 905 million leva – 21% growth and record revenue of over 8 billion and 900 million.
Reasons:
"Measures to lighten the shadow economy, more efficient work of the administration, as well as cooperation from business and citizens."
The NRA also closely monitors property transactions.
"We monitor how much cash is taken out and how much is coming in. These are future inspections and future clients of the NRA," said Markov.
Regarding tax assessments, he admitted:
"This dispute has been going on for 10 years. There were proposals for two types of assessments, but they were not accepted. We are looking for legislative options."
Regarding tax returns in the euro, Markov said that all returns for the reporting period until 31.12.2025 are submitted in leva, but are paid in euros.