Minister Kamenicky: New QR Payments Could Begin Trial Operations in November

Bratislava, 21 May (TASR) - The biggest challenge for the Finance Ministry in the near future is preparing next year's budget, but the department is also working on a QR payment project, which could begin trial operations in November this year, and e-invoices for entrepreneurs, which will be linked online to the tax authority, stated Finance Minister Ladislav Kamenicky after Wednesday's meeting with Prime Minister Robert Fico (both Smer-SD). Regarding the planned consolidation measures, the minister doesn't want to speak about them until they are agreed upon within the coalition. He also doesn't intend to respond to various speculations that keep appearing. "Until I have an agreement, I won't say anything. I'm used to articles coming out saying we're going to do this or that," Kamenicky declared. The planned introduction of QR payments will, according to the minister, be a major step forward and a benefit for both sellers and their customers. The pilot phase is provisionally scheduled from November this year to March next year, although this will depend on the project's technical readiness. The timing is linked to the fact that, from October this year, all banks will be required to carry out so-called instant payments within a few seconds. Kamenicky said that QR payments should be mandatory for sellers but voluntary for customers, who would be able to choose their preferred method of payment. He explained that merchants could save on fees paid to card companies, customers would gain another payment option, and the state could reduce tax evasion. The Finance Ministry is also working on the e-invoice project. "If e-invoicing is introduced, VAT control statements could disappear entirely, easing the administrative burden on businesses and improving digital communication with the tax office," Kamenicky added. lin