Tackling undeclared work database

  The severe drop in state revenues following the economic crisis of 2008 led to a renewed public interest in the undeclared work debate. Since 2008, Bulgaria has experienced high revenue losses and a higher level of tax evasion. To address this situation, the government decided to connect the fiscal devices of all trade entities with the computer system of the National Revenue Agency in real time. The measure aims to strengthen the government’s administration of taxes and curtail informal activities.  

  The ‘work legally’ campaign was initiated in 2008 by the government. Prior to this, the fight against the informal economy and undeclared work was supported by all central employer organisations and trade unions at a number of seminars and workshops. The initiative has been implemented in two main ways: through an information campaign and through the monitoring of specific companies. Special attention has been paid to informing workers about the negative effects of undeclared work and to highlighting the sanctions for offending employers.