Minister Marić: I don’t know where the story about salary reductions comes from

Minister of Finance Zdravko Marić said on Monday that he does not know where the story about salary reductions as a consequence of tax reform comes from, as he looks to ensure that tax relief in terms of benefits is as fair as possible for citizens, entrepreneurs, and taxpayers.

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“I really don’t know where the story about salary reductions came from,” said Minister Marić, adding that he has never mentioned reductions since he was appointed Minister of Finance, but exclusively the growth of salaries.

Similarly, I have said that we cannot guarantee through the tax system that this will happen because, of course, we must look at the ‘package’ – both the breadth and the whole, emphasized Marić.

He stated that he would not comment on parts of the tax reform until the whole is presented. Because, he said, only then can judgments and conclusions be made fundamentally, both by coalition partners and the general public.

He reminded that this is a continuation of the tax reform that was paved as early as the end of 2016, with the first package.

Minister Marić said that he looks to ensure that tax relief in terms of benefits is as fair as possible for citizens, entrepreneurs, and taxpayers.

He also added that they cannot focus solely on whether income tax means salary increases for someone or not.

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“At this moment, more than half of Croatian income tax payers are not even in the ‘clutches’ of income tax,” he said, adding that because of this, there are no changes that would ensure them an increase in net salaries.

However, he asserted, the disposable income of citizens can be increased in other ways, also through the tax system. Wait a few more days and you will see, Minister Marić concluded.