Finnish Tax Administration to close offices and cut jobs amid funding crisis

The Finnish Tax Administration’s (Verohallinto) ongoing negotiations regarding personnel cuts are set to significantly impact public services. Efforts to save costs will include closing many local offices. Currently, there are over 50 offices across Finland, the majority of which are expected to close in the coming years, according to Tommi Kämpe, the administration director of Verohallinto. In the future, only 19 offices will remain, located in regional centers. For some areas, services will be provided remotely through a tax official stationed in a different location, while customers are encouraged to manage their tax affairs online through the Omavero service. Kämpe noted, however, that phone support will remain available for those unable to use the online system.

As part of the negotiations announced on Tuesday, the Tax Administration is reviewing the situation concerning approximately 900 employees in taxation and administrative roles across the country. These actions could potentially result in the termination of up to 200 positions. The administration attributes the need for these changes to significant reductions in its funding, requiring it to cut operations by at least 60 million euros by the end of 2027. Updates on the situation will follow as negotiations progress.