This year, Tax Freedom Day in Lithuania falls on May 23rd. Tax burden is falling because the money raised by the government is falling faster than net national income. Lower tax revenues are attributed to the recent tax increases and the worsening economic situation, because fewer people want to and afford to pay taxes. The number of taxpayers is decreasing as some of them no longer have to pay taxes (they become unemployed, companies go out of business), while some begin participating in shadow economy. Although general tax burden is falling, tax burden on each taxpayer is actually growing.
The government‘s wish to increase government revenue by increasing tax rates did not come true. If we factor in the budget deficit (which a form of deferred taxation), Tax Freedom Day would not come until June 4th.
Breaking down government revenue by taxes, taxpayers will have to work on average 60 days to pay their social security and healthcare contributions, 32 days – VAT, 19 days – income tax, 16 days – excise duties, 9 days – corporate income tax, and 6 days for other taxes.
