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🌐Protecting the construction business at all stages of tax audits

On September 4, 2025, the Confederation of Builders of Ukraine, together with the law firm RIYAKO&PARTNERS, held an event dedicated to protecting the construction business from audits by the Economic Security Bureau and the tax authorities.

The focus was on current changes in legislation, recent audit practices, typical business mistakes, and effective legal protection tools.

The event was held online and offline and brought together more than 50 representatives of construction companies, business owners, heads of legal departments, and financial directors. Participants had the opportunity to receive practical advice, ask questions to experts, and join the discussion on new rules for interaction between businesses and government agencies.

🔍 Key issues discussed:

🔸 ESB claims regarding tax evasion - recent practice  

🔸 When will the tax authorities arrive and what audits can the construction business expect? Types of inspections, grounds, and admission procedure, taking into account the latest practice and legislative changes 

🔸Inspection procedure: how to prepare, what to (not) do during the inspection, and typical focuses of regulatory authorities

🔸 Audit report: how to minimize risks for business, possible scenarios, and legal protection tools

🎤 The speakers at the event were:

👤 Eugene Riyako, CEO of the law firm RIYAKO&PARTNERS.

👤 Andriy Timonov, lawyer, head of tax practice at RIYAKO&PARTNERS.

💬 «Today, the construction business is at risk because it is a sector with large financial flows and government orders. Any mistake or gap in the documents can cost the company millions. Our task is to show that it is possible to prepare for an audit in such a way as to minimize risks», — emphasized Eugene Riyako.

💬 «A tax audit is always stressful for a company. But it is important to understand that the audit has a clear procedure, and the business has rights. If you build the right defense strategy, you can defend your interests even in the most difficult situations», — emphasized Andriy Timonov.

📑 Seminar participants received a whole set of practical tools that can be applied in their work today. In particular:

✔️ a checklist of actions «before, during, and after the audit»;

✔️ an algorithm for communicating with tax inspectors and the BEH; 

✔️ samples of objections to audit reports;

✔️ an overview of tax compliance and preliminary audit tools;

✔️ practical advice on tracking risky counterparties.

⚠️ Typical risks for the construction business that were considered:

🔸 non-recognition of expenses based on work completion certificates;

🔸 suspicion of «risky» counterparties;

🔸 overstatement of the cost of construction materials;

🔸 disputes over the formation of a VAT tax credit;

🔸 refusal to take into account expenses under contract agreements.

💬 «We analyzed each of these risks using examples from real cases. In most cases, the problem arose not because of abuse, but because of formal errors in documents. The right strategy and preparation allow you to defend your business position», — emphasized Mr. Eugene.

The seminar provided participants with practical tools for preventive business protection, algorithms for action in case of an audit, and examples of successful court practice. The CBU will continue to hold similar educational events so that construction companies can work confidently in wartime conditions and ensure the stability of their business.

WE WILL WIN AND REBUILD EVERYTHING! 💪

TOGETHER TO VICTORY! 

GLORY TO UKRAINE! 💙💛