Armenia: from 2027, taxpayers can direct part of their income tax to a party, an NGO or a media outlet
- Published
- Place
- National Assembly, Yerevan, Armenia
- Event date
- Past event —
Summary
Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced on 2 November, during parliament’s review of the 2027 budget, a major change in how political parties, NGOs and media outlets are funded. From 1 January 2027, citizens who complete and confirm their universal income declaration will be able to direct part of the income tax they have already paid to an organisation of their choice. The bill, approved by the government on 17 September, adds these donations to reimbursable “social expenses”, which already cover some health and education costs. The government still has to set the cap, the eligible organisations and the disclosure rules. Pashinyan acknowledged that amounts will be modest in the first year and that much will depend on organisations’ ability to earn citizens’ trust.
Analysis
For the government, the measure should make parties, associations and newsrooms less dependent on a few large funders. Everything will hinge on the implementing rules: who is eligible, with what cap and on which criteria. Civil society and media voices are asking that access depend neither on political stance nor on closeness to the authorities. The scheme relies on the universal income declaration, extended to all citizens from 2025 income onwards.
Possible consequences
The details (cap, list of eligible organisations) are to be set by the government once the law is adopted.
