Estonia, Financial Services, Legislation, Taxation

“On one hand, Marek Helm has been under significant focus and a lot of pressure, but during the past few days he has also received expressions of support from many, and that indicates that the Tax and Customs Board under Helm’s leadership has developed good contacts with business organisations,” said Lauri.

She added that improved tax revenue also indicates that Helm has performed well in office.

“Therefore, I proposed that Helm retract his resignation, and he agreed to do so. Good results in collecting taxes are in the interests of the entire society in Estonia,” explained Lauri.

The Minister of Finance and the Director General of the Tax and Customs Board also discussed problems that led to the latter’s resignation notice, and possible solutions thereto.

“Many changes happened to fall on a short period of time; I understand criticism from enterprises and consequent criticism, which partly also fell upon the tax administration,” said Lauri.

Marek Helm has been at the helm of the Tax and Customs Board for three years, and on Thursday he submitted a letter of resignation to Minister Maris Lauri, due to fierce criticism in the public towards tax collection practices.