OREANDA-NEWS. January 23, 2013. Belarus’ companies, except agricultural enterprises, are supposed to transfer 20% of their incomes to the government budget, irrespective of their profit margin, according to ordinance #18 released by President Lukashenko on January 11, 2013.

In the meantime, agricultural enterprises (crop and livestock producers, fisheries) shall pay as much as 5% of their incomes to the state budget, the ordinance says.

According to former regulations, companies’ contributions to the state budget used to vary depending on their profit margin. Companies with a profit margin of less than 20% would surrender 5% of their income; 20% - 22% – 10%: 22% - 25% – 15%; 25% - 27% – 17%; 27% - 30%– 20%. Companies with a profit margin in excess of 30% used to surrender 25% of their incomes.

The ordinance, which became effective on January 16, 2013, also specifies the terms of payment and other minor regulations.