Ukraine can receive over 80 billion hryvnias without raising taxes: Zheleznyak named sources of budget funding

The state budget of Ukraine can receive tens of billions of hryvnias of additional revenues every year without increasing the tax burden on citizens. To do this, according to MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak, it is necessary to block shadow schemes at customs, illegal sale of tobacco, alcohol and fuel, as well as strengthen control over the gambling business.

This was stated by the First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Finance, Tax and Customs Policy Yaroslav Zheleznyak.

Where Ukraine loses the most money

According to the MP, the largest reserves for filling the state budget are hidden in the shadow sector of the economy.

In particular, we are talking about illegal trade in tobacco products, customs schemes and the activities of businesses that avoid proper taxation.

Zheleznyak named the following potential sources of additional budget revenues:

UAH 30 billion – fight against the illegal market of tobacco products;
UAH 30 billion – elimination of schemes with cargo companies at customs;
UAH 10–15 billion — de-shadowing of the gambling business;
about UAH 10 billion — combating the illegal circulation of alcohol and fuel.

In total, we are talking about potential revenues of UAH 80–85 billion.

At the same time, these are approximate estimates by the deputy, and not guaranteed revenues already included in the state budget.

Customs schemes: how the state could lose billions

Zheleznyak paid special attention to the work of the customs service.

According to him, during the meetings of the temporary investigative commission of the Verkhovna Rada, a scheme for importing cars using a fake certificate was discovered.

Such a document, according to the deputy, allowed the import of vehicles with the payment of significantly lower customs duties.

After considering the situation at the commission meeting, the certificate was canceled.

Zheleznyak claims that the result was an increase in revenues to the state budget by UAH 2 billion.

Thus, according to the parliamentarian, even the termination of individual schemes can provide the state with significant additional resources.

Illegal gas stations also cause budget losses

Another area that requires increased control is the illegal fuel trade, the deputy called.

According to his assessment, countering the activities of illegal gas stations can potentially bring the budget an additional 5–7 billion hryvnias.

At the same time, these funds may be partially included in a broader assessment of losses from the illegal circulation of alcohol and fuel, so it is incorrect to automatically add them to the total amount.

Is it possible to fill the budget without raising taxes

In Zheleznyak’s opinion, de-shadowing the economy can be one of the ways to increase state revenues without introducing new taxes.

First of all, it is about ensuring the payment of already established taxes by enterprises that operate outside the legal framework or use illegal schemes.

Such an approach, according to the deputy, would allow directing additional funds to priority state needs.

At the same time, the real amount of possible revenues will depend on the effectiveness of control, legislative changes, and the actual cessation of shadow operations.

Why the issue of additional revenues has become particularly relevant

The search for new sources of budget replenishment is taking place against the backdrop of significant financial needs of Ukraine, primarily in the defense sector.

During the preparation of the state budget for 2027, the authorities are considering the possibility of increasing funding for priority areas and ensuring the stability of public finances.

According to NV, earlier, representatives of the government and parliament reported on the difficult budget situation and the need for additional resources.

Zheleznyak is convinced that the fight against the shadow economy should become one of the key tools for replenishing the state treasury.

However, the tens of billions of hryvnias he mentioned still remain potential revenues, and not a confirmed result of budgetary policy.