More than 20 associations representing small and medium-sized businesses have appealed to the President of Ukraine and the government, urging them to expand the "National Cashback" program to include entrepreneurs operating under a simplified tax system.
"A critical flaw that turns the program into a tool of discrimination is the prohibition against entrepreneurs on a simplified tax system using the program as sellers. This ban distorts competition, grants even more market power to retail chains, harms producers who sell their products through entrepreneurs on the simplified system, and stifles the development of small and micro businesses," the joint statement from the associations explains.
It is noted that selling goods with a special barcode through RRO/PRRO, as listed in the relevant categories of Ukrainian-made products, will help avoid "grey" schemes and promote the formalization of trade and increased competition.
Additionally, it is proposed to take measures to disseminate detailed information about the program to attract participants among citizens, as well as to double the maximum cashback amount per month.
As reported, on October 11, the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Ukraine, Yulia Svyrydenko, announced that the Ministry of Economy has completed beta testing of the "National Cashback" program and decided to launch its national advertising campaign.
The maximum cashback amount is 3,000 UAH per month, and the funds can be spent by the 20th of the following month on medical and utility services, sports, cinema, train tickets, donations to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, or purchasing military bonds.
According to the Ministry of Economy, as of mid-January 2025, the total accumulated funds from participants in the "National Cashback" program reached 1 billion UAH. It is noted that the program is actively used by 4.7 million citizens, of which 65% are women and 35% are men. A total of 20 banks and 1,672 producers have joined the program, and cashback is available on 355,400 Ukrainian-made products.