Business leaders report that taxes and contributions are fully paid for 81 percent of workers, a decline from previous figures. Additionally, 13 percent of workers are believed to have only partial contributions, double the rate from last year, according to Ipsos director Predrag Kurčubić, who presented the findings from the 2024 survey on citizens’ and businesses’ perceptions of the gray economy. Notably, 90 percent of employees in surveyed companies were reported to have full contributions.
Compared to earlier studies, a larger percentage of businesses—61 percent, up from 43 percent—believe that all profits are regularly reported in their sector. Consequently, fewer firms think similar businesses declare less than 10 percent or between 11 to 20 percent of their profits.
The survey identified construction as the industry most associated with the gray economy, followed by craft services, trade, and hospitality. In contrast, health services, agriculture, and the textile sector were mentioned less frequently in this context.
Three-quarters of business leaders believe tax evasion is not tolerated in Serbia, a significant increase from previous surveys where about two-thirds held this view. Among citizens, 80 percent expressed that there is no justification for informal business practices, with those justifying the gray economy dropping below 20 percent. Both groups perceive construction as the primary sector where informal business is prevalent, followed by retail, catering and craft services.
The majority of Serbian citizens, 85 percent, receive their salaries through a current account, with an increase in this practice compared to last year. Additionally, about two-thirds of respondents reported always receiving a fiscal bill for purchases, while 68 percent said they often do.
