27th March 2026, Skopje – In organization of the Ministry of Finance, via the Public Finance Academy, a training was held on the topic of “VAT Exemption (Refund) Procedure Related to Donations and Sponsorships in Public Sector Activities”. The training was included in the Annual Training Program as regards public finances for 2026, intended for public sector employees working in this field, who have limited or introductory-level experience in implementing VAT‑related regulations.
The training was conducted by Dejan Nikolovski and Petar Robeski from the Public Revenues and Tax and Customs Policy Department.
The purpose of the training was to strengthen the participants’ knowledge and practical skills related to the VAT exemption (refund) procedure related to donations and sponsorships in public sector activities, pursuant to the Law on Donations and Sponsorships in Public Sector Activities. A particular focus was placed on presenting the relevant laws and by‑laws, the accompanying administrative procedures, as well as the requirements for proper implementation of the VAT refund procedure.
The training covered topics such as preparation and submission of documentation, accurate VAT calculation and reporting, and the procedural steps required for submitting a VAT refund request. Furthermore, the training encompassed topics related to tax planning and optimization, as well as tax risk management, all to the end of reducing the likelihood of errors and ensuring compliance with the applicable regulations.
The interactive approach, along with the practical examples and discussions, enabled participants to acquire applicable knowledge, exchange experiences and good practices, and reflect on the challenges they encounter in their day-to-day operations.
The training provided for improving participants’ professional competencies, reinforcing their ability to properly apply VAT‑related procedures, thus also contributing to greater efficiency and effectiveness of financial processes across public sector institutions.
Ministry of Finance, through the Public Finance Academy, remains committed to continuous education and human resource development in the public sector, with the overarching goal of enhancing the quality of public finance management and boosting institutional efficiency.
