Reactions from Show Business Representatives to Pashinyan's Speech on Taxation

Many representatives of the Armenian show business are diligent taxpayers, yet some do not believe they should pay taxes on foreign concerts. Following Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's sharp statements, Sputnik Armenia reached out to several figures from the show business.

Today, Pashinyan announced that those show business representatives who do not intend to pay taxes, for example, when going to Los Angeles, should not benefit from the road built at the expense of those who worked and paid taxes in Armenia, leading to the airport. “Well, then take the nearby fields and go. Cut those reeds and reach the airport that way. What kind of attitude is this? To say, I sold tickets in America, why should I pay here is unacceptable,” he said.

Artist Miharn Tsarukyan, who often performs abroad, believes it is natural for artists to pay taxes as it is a legal requirement. “I have always paid taxes; this is not new. In Russia and Europe, however many concerts I have, I pay. A contract is signed in advance, and all payments are made. That’s the way it is,” he told the media.

When asked what percentage of his income he pays in taxes, Tsarukyan mentioned that he couldn't say, as he is not familiar with accounting matters.

Singer Erik Karapetyan, who is often seen in various concert programs, declined to comment, stating that he does not give interviews. “I have not given an interview or commentary for three years,” said the singer.

Showman and singer Garik Papoyan urged to check with the tax authorities regarding how much tax he pays or whether he pays at all. “I just learned about this statement from you; I need to listen and understand the context because I am simply not aware of what it is about,” he said.

Singer Sofi Mkheyan, for her part, noted that she does pay taxes. “I have not gone to concerts abroad recently. I won't comment on the statement,” said the singer.

Some other representatives of the Armenian show business also preferred not to comment or criticize, explaining that they may face attack from thousands of fake accounts on social media shortly after.

It is worth mentioning that in September 2018, the State Revenue Committee announced that well-paid singers in Armenia had not submitted tax declarations or paid taxes for decades, violating legal requirements. The law stipulates that singers, musicians, hosts, and other representatives engaged in entrepreneurial activities in the show business must register with the state, be registered with the tax authorities, self-declare their income, and pay taxes.