The Respect for Taxpayers Day becomes an official commemorative day in Lithuania to be celebrated on May 11. A recently adopted law is a result of a petition submitted by the Lithuanian Free Market Institute.

“Taxes form the basis of public finance. The Respect for Taxpayers Day will honor the contribution of all tax payers to the well-being of our society,” says Žilvinas Šilėnas, President of the Lithuanian Free Market Institute.

An average salary earner in Lithuania pays more in taxes than he spends on food, housing and clothing put together. Citizens pay for the functioning of the state and public services. Not surprisingly, taxation is a top  concern of Lithuanian citizens. According to Eurobarometer, one fifth of Lithuanians consider taxation to be a major issue.

“Lithuanians file their annual tax returns in May, and public debates about taxation heighten then. The Respect for Taxpayers Day will increase the understanding of the tax system and awareness of how taxes are spent,” notes Žilvinas Šilėnas.