This provides for changes to the Regulation on food stamps, approved at the Cabinet meeting on January 22.
The document clarifies the terms of validity of the vouchers, including for workers employed in night shifts. The protection of their rights at the termination of labor relations has been strengthened by guaranteeing the use of already transferred sums before the expiration of food stamps.
This period is now limited to six months. And the threshold will ensure that the vouchers are used for their intended purpose and prevent workers from hoarding them. Funds allocated for food stamps will have to be kept in special employee accounts.
The regulation repeals outdated provisions regarding paper vouchers that are canceled and establishes uniform rules for managing electronic vouchers. This will simplify payment flows for employers and operators.
In addition, their use is also authorized for online food purchases. This innovation will expand the possibilities of using coupons and simplify the procedure. And it will also contribute to the adaptation of retail to online commerce.
The law was also supplemented with an article that regulates the submission of information on the use of food stamps to the State Tax Service. Operators are obliged to submit to the tax authority a report on food stamps issued to employers, and at the request of the State Tax Service, within no more than 10 working days, to electronically submit complete and accurate data on transactions made with them.
Another important change concerns the face value of a food stamp. Employers may increase it for their employees, with the difference from the statutory value being deductible for tax purposes. As is allowed today by the Tax Code with respect to business expenses for employee meals, which are also deductible.
Employers can apply both options of state support. The innovation eliminated the inequality that existed, which was pointed out by businesses for many years. At the same time, the price of a meal ticket remains at the same level – 35-70 lei. Although, according to the law, the price is adjusted within the limits of inflation.
At the moment, more than 50 thousand employees from almost 800 companies in Moldova use food stamps.
