"WE NEED CHANGES IN THE LAW." CHAIRMAN OF THE TRADE UNION OF MEDIATORS VLADIMIR KUZNETSOV SPOKE ABOUT THE PROBLEMS OF MEDIATION IN TAX DISPUTES

Chairman of the All-Russian Trade Union of Mediators, Deputy Head of the Federal Mediation Center Vladimir Kuznetsov called for the legislative regulation of the mediation process in tax disputes. He spoke about the problems of using the procedure within the framework of the "Legal Forum of Masters", which takes place in Voronezh from September 15 to 17.

Commenting on the issue of mediation in tax relations, Vladimir Kuznetsov noted that only two serious cases are known in this area. 

At the same time, they did not concern either the timing or the amount of tax payment - the main factors that concern the taxpayer.

"Today, even many speakers confuse the representation of the interests of a taxpayer in the tax authority and mediation. That is, if a representative of the taxpayer came and proved within the framework of preliminary analytical measures that the transactions are real, then this is not mediation. This is a representation of the interests of the taxpayer. Mediation is if the taxpayer was categorically against any additional charges, and the tax authority was ready to add a significant amount," Kuznetsov stressed.

The Chairman of the All-Russian Trade Union of Mediators noted that the participation of the state is necessary for the successful and active use of mediation in tax disputes.

"In order for mediation to begin to develop, it is necessary to amend a large number of regulatory legal acts, codes and laws. And here, probably, the will of the government is needed to really simplify the exchange of information and the convergence of the positions of the tax service and the taxpayer. Naturally, without prejudice to the budget," Vladimir Kuznetsov explained.

The "Legal Forum of Masters", which brought together more than 200 experts, takes place in Voronezh from September 15 to 17. On the first day, representatives of law firms, as well as arbitration managers discussed trends in bankruptcy practice and the reform of the bankruptcy law. Also during the discussions, the participants touch upon antimonopoly, electronic and digital law. 

Traditionally, the event is attended by speakers from all over Russia – from Moscow, Voronezh, St. Petersburg, Vladivostok, Yekaterinburg and other regions.