Lower Administrative Burden – Specific Changes for Businesses
The State Data Agency (Statistics Lithuania) and the Lithuanian Association of Accountants and Auditors have carried out a comprehensive analysis of statistical reports with the aim of reducing the administrative burden on respondents and simplifying data submission processes. The analysis reviewed the scope of statistical forms, their frequency, and the relevance, appropriateness of the indicators collected.
This work made it possible to identify redundant requirements and adopt decisions that will reduce the administrative burden on respondents while maintaining the necessary quality and reliability of statistical data.
The project “Consulting Services for Accounting Specialists on Statistical Forms” was implemented by engaging external accounting experts, following a pre-agreed plan for reviewing statistical forms. The accounting specialists analyzed indicators of 18 statistical forms, assessed the content of the forms, clarity and necessity of the indicators, their duplication across multiple statistical forms, and the possibilities of obtaining these data from administrative sources whose information could be used to reduce the administrative burden.
During the implementation of the said project, remote meetings were held with the accounting specialists who evaluated the forms and representatives of the State Data Agency responsible for the forms. Such meetings focused on discussing the submitted proposals, debating the suitability of administrative sources, analyzing potential limitations, and addressing other related issues.
The project results aim to reduce the administrative burden on statistical data providers by eliminating certain indicators as redundant (a total of 49 indicators) and planning to pre-fill some indicators with data from administrative sources (a total of 36 indicators).
These decisions mean less frequent reporting and shorter data submission times, which directly reduce the administrative burden on businesses.
“Best solutions are found through dialogue. Close cooperation with the Lithuanian Association of Accountants and Auditors has helped us better understand daily challenges faced by respondents and make decisions that genuinely simplify data submission while maintaining the reliability of statistics”, noted Daiva Jurelevičienė, First Deputy Director General of the State Data Agency.
The State Data Agency will continue to work closely with business and professional communities to ensure that the collection of statistical data is purposeful, proportionate, and as convenient as possible for respondents, while the data collected remains useful for public decision-making.