American Chamber of Commerce in Albania organized a Business Forum with Mr. Artur Papajani. He explained at a recent meeting with AmCham member businesses the role the Taxpayers’ Ombudsman plays and how the institution can help businesses involved in tax disputes with authorities.
"This is a right and a guarantee granted by law. This structure was set up in defense of the taxpayers and is a structure that works according to a law adopted by the government. With the government decision, the Taxpayers’ Ombudsman has been given important powers. We have a direct working relationship with the Director General of Taxation and the Minister of Finance and report every three months to the Minister of Finance," said Mr. Papajani, answering an AmCham member's question on how the institution makes sure it remains independent.

Mr. Papajani said there had been a lot of debate whether the Taxpayers’ Ombudsman Office should be within the framework of the taxation administration.

"If it were outside the tax structure, it would have more independence but less efficiency. Being within the structure offers greater efficiency in handling issues because it is internal and is entitled by law to have the cooperation of all departments in the tax administration," said Mr. Papajani.

The ombudsman answered many questions posed by businesses on many issues in which they face problems with the tax authorities and for which they feel a solution can be found through the ombudsman's office.

Many questions were related to excise and customs duties, which do not fall under the powers of the Taxpayers’ Ombudsman, as the office is not allowed to interfere with the competences of certain state institutions like customs and local governments.
"Based on a government decision, the excise taxes are collected by customs so we as an institution of the Taxpayers’ Ombudsman have no power,” said Mr. Papajani. “Currently, there are many businesses that have put forward the idea that such an institution should be established for customs too. It is in your hands to further develop this proposal," he told business representatives at the meeting.