IT Accreditation in 2023: 5 Steps to Success

Contents:

• Advantages of accreditation: how to get benefits for IT companies and their employees
• How IT companies can get accreditation: basic requirements
• Updates in the accreditation rules from February 2023
• Additional requirements for accreditation: three key options
• How to properly apply for accreditation through the State Services portal
• How to properly formalize consent to disclose tax secrets
• Reasons for refusal to accredit IT companies
• Cancellation of accreditation: is it possible?

Accreditation Benefits: How to Receive Benefits for IT Companies and Their Employees

Accreditation is an important process for IT companies, providing access to significant benefits. Receiving government support requires that more than 70% of an organization's revenue come from its core activities. Based on this criterion, two main groups of benefits can be identified that can significantly improve the financial conditions for businesses in the IT sector. Accreditation not only opens up new opportunities for development but also helps enhance a company's competitiveness in the market.

Accredited IT companies receive a number of significant benefits that contribute to their development and strengthening their market position. First and foremost, accreditation opens access to public and private tenders, which significantly increases the volume of orders and revenue. Furthermore, accredited companies can count on government support in the form of subsidies, grants, and other financial incentives, which helps reduce business development costs.

Accreditation also increases trust with clients and partners, which can lead to long-term and lucrative contracts. Accredited companies often have the opportunity to participate in educational programs, seminars, and conferences, which contribute to employee development and the implementation of innovative technologies.

Accreditation also improves a company's image, distinguishing it from competitors and confirming a high level of professionalism. This makes accredited IT companies more attractive to investors and potential clients, which ultimately contributes to their sustainable growth and development.

• Simplified conditions for hiring foreign specialists - developers from visa countries can work for an accredited company without the need to obtain a work permit.
• Reduced interest rates on loans (from 1% to 5%) - subject to maintaining at least 85% of the workforce and regular indexation of wages.
• A moratorium on on-site tax audits - valid until March 3, 2025, and on scheduled non-tax audits - until the end of 2024.

Companies whose share of core revenue exceeds 70% can count on significant tax benefits. These benefits contribute to the improvement of the financial condition of the business and allow for cost optimization. A high share of core revenue also indicates the stability of the company and its ability to compete effectively in the market. Thus, companies with this indicator can not only reduce their tax burden but also use the freed-up funds for development and innovation.

• Zero income tax rate — valid until the end of 2024.
• Reduced rates on insurance premiums — 7.6% instead of the standard 30%.

Employees can take advantage of significant benefits, such as a preferential mortgage with an interest rate of 5% and the possibility of deferring service in the Russian Armed Forces. To obtain a mortgage, you must meet certain age and average salary criteria. To qualify for a deferment, it is important to consider work experience and education requirements. We have already prepared comprehensive materials on these issues, which can help you better understand the process of obtaining a preferential mortgage and a deferment from military service.

Be sure to read the information provided. We offer relevant and useful information to help you better understand our product or service. Our information includes important details that may be helpful in making a decision. We encourage you to carefully review all available materials to gain a complete understanding of what we offer. This will help you make an informed choice and take advantage of all the benefits of our company.

Mortgage for IT specialists: virtual programs and real examples

In the modern world, where information technology is developing rapidly, mortgage programs for IT specialists are becoming increasingly relevant. Many banks offer special terms for IT professionals, given their high income and job stability. These offers include reduced interest rates, simplified loan applications, and more flexible repayment terms.

Real-life cases of successful mortgage applications by IT professionals confirm the benefits of such programs. For example, many professionals were able to use mortgages to purchase new-build homes, receiving financial support from banks that understand the specifics of their profession. This allows them not only to improve their living conditions but also to invest in the future.

It's important to note that when choosing a mortgage program, IT professionals should consider not only interest rates but also additional terms, such as early repayment options, penalties, and fees. Choosing the right mortgage solution will help you avoid financial difficulties and ensure a comfortable life.

Thus, a mortgage for IT specialists is a profitable offer on the real estate market, contributing to the development and improvement of living standards of specialists in this fast-growing field.

Deferment from conscription For IT specialists: who is eligible and how to apply for it

In Russia, IT specialists can count on a deferment from military service. This is due to the increased demand for qualified personnel in the field of information technology. To receive a deferment, you must meet certain criteria and go through established procedures.

Specialists working in programming, software development, system administration, and other related professions are eligible for a deferment. It is important to have the relevant education or proven experience in the IT sector.

To apply for a deferment, you must provide the military registration and enlistment office with documents confirming your qualifications and employment in IT. These may include diplomas, certificates, employment contracts, and certificates from your employer.

The process of obtaining a deferment may take some time, so it is recommended to prepare all the necessary documents in advance and contact the military registration and enlistment office. This will help avoid delays and ensure the protection of your rights as an IT specialist.

In today's world, where technology plays a key role in the economy, it is important to maintain and develop human resources in the field of information technology. Obtaining a deferment from conscription is an opportunity for professional growth and a contribution to the development of the industry.

Some organizations will not be able to take advantage of the benefits, even if they meet all the established conditions. Such organizations include banks, insurance companies, unitary enterprises, government agencies, state corporations, as well as large companies with a high level of state participation. This restriction is due to the specifics of their activities and the need to comply with certain regulatory standards.

How IT companies can obtain accreditation: basic requirements

Accreditation in the field of information technology is granted only to organizations and institutions operating in this field. Individual entrepreneurs are not eligible for such support. Large companies seeking state support must create specialized IT subsidiaries. The head of the Ministry of Digital Development, Maksut Shadayev, emphasizes that the creation of a new company will not be considered a business split, provided it is not the result of a reorganization of an existing structure.

To successfully obtain accreditation, a company must meet four main conditions. First, the organization must have a primary OKVED code corresponding to the IT sector. Second, at least 30% of the company's revenue must come from the sale of IT products. Third, it is necessary to provide complete information about the company's activities on its official website. Finally, it is important to agree to disclose tax secrets. Compliance with these conditions will significantly increase the chances of successfully obtaining accreditation and will allow the company to strengthen its position in the IT services market.

OKVED (All-Russian Classifier of Economic Activities) is an important document that assigns a unique digital code to each type of activity. To obtain accreditation in the IT sector, a company must have one of 31 specialized codes related to this field. Previously, the number of such codes was only seven, highlighting the significant expansion of the classifier and its adaptation to modern market conditions. Correctly specifying the OKVED code is an important step for businesses, as it affects their ability to participate in government tenders, receive subsidies, and other types of support. New areas added to the current list include communications equipment manufacturing, computer repair, scientific research, and educational technology (EdTech). It should be emphasized that 13 of these codes cannot be used as primary codes without additional codes, requiring careful analysis and a thoughtful approach to selection. This circumstance is important to consider when planning a business and formulating a development strategy. When calculating the revenue share, financial results for the previous year are taken into account. If a company has been in existence for less than a year and its revenue exceeds one million rubles, the full amount of revenue is taken into account. The list of information technology services can be found in a special order of the Ministry of Digital Development, which does not coincide with the list of OKVED codes. This is important to consider when preparing reports and analyzing the company's financial performance.

The company should create an official website that contains information about its areas of work and products. It is also important to indicate whether these products are included in the unified register of domestic computer software. Such requirements contribute to increased transparency and accessibility of information about the company's activities, which, in turn, strengthens the trust of customers and partners. Having up-to-date content on the website improves the company's visibility in search engines and helps attract new customers.

By signing a consent to disclose tax secrets, you give permission for the tax authorities to transfer your data to the Ministry of Digital Development. This includes information about your income, salaries, and taxes paid. This procedure is necessary to verify your company's compliance with the conditions of accreditation. Proper presentation and transparency of the information provided play a key role in increasing trust in your business and compliance with tax legislation.

When applying for accreditation, it is important to keep in mind that the consent may be either temporary or indefinite. It is recommended to check the validity of your current agreement or draw up a new one in advance. The consent must be submitted to the relevant Federal Tax Service (FTS) office. This will help avoid delays and ensure that accreditation is processed correctly.

Updates to accreditation rules from February 2023

Since the beginning of 2023, important changes have been made to the accreditation rules in the information technology sector, supplemented by a resolution adopted in February. These updates are aimed at creating a more favorable environment for small and medium-sized enterprises and protecting the market from unfair competition. In this context, it is worth noting key aspects of the changes that could have a significant impact on the IT market. The new accreditation rules promote greater transparency and fairness in the treatment of market participants, which in turn promotes innovation and improves the quality of services provided.

• The list of OKVED codes for IT companies has been expanded, simplifying the accreditation process.
• Now, the average employee income is calculated based on insurance contributions for the three months preceding the application. Under the simplified accreditation process, salaries for the previous two years are taken into account.
• Large companies, government agencies, and state corporations are no longer eligible for accreditation if their state ownership exceeds 50%.
• All companies are required to have a website in Russian, which must provide information about their activities, with the possibility of supplements at the request of the Ministry of Digital Development.
• Mandatory disclosure of tax information has been introduced, which should increase business transparency.

The changes in question are being implemented as part of the state program to support the digital economy. These measures are aimed at creating a competitive environment for innovative companies in Russia. For more detailed information, we recommend visiting the Ministry of Digital Development website or reviewing current publications on the Federal Tax Service website.

Additional requirements for accreditation: three key options

In addition to the main criteria, companies may face a number of additional requirements, which are conventionally divided into three categories. The first category includes companies with high salaries, the second applies to startups, and the third concerns software developers registered in the register of the Ministry of Digital Development. To receive government support, organizations must meet the criteria of one of these categories. Compliance with these requirements is an important step in successfully obtaining funding and implementing projects.

One of the key factors for obtaining accreditation is the average salary in the company. It must not be lower than the average salary established in the country or region. This requirement plays an important role in assessing the financial stability and competitiveness of the company in the labor market. Compliance with this standard can positively impact the organization's reputation and attract qualified specialists.

The average salary is calculated by summing up all payments and bonuses for the last three months. This sum is divided by the total number of employees in the company. However, fees for freelance specialists and payments to employees on maternity leave are not included in the calculation. This approach provides an accurate picture of the average employee income and helps the company in budgeting and analyzing labor costs.

Startups can receive state accreditation even if their revenue is minimal or non-existent. However, to do so, they must meet certain requirements. The accreditation process provides startups with access to various resources and support, which can facilitate their development and growth. It is important to carefully study the criteria and prepare the necessary documents to successfully complete accreditation.

Startups must meet certain conditions to receive accreditation. Key requirements include a business plan, innovativeness of the product or service, and proof of financial stability. Company registration and compliance with all legal regulations are also required. The primary focus is on the growth potential and the startup's ability to attract investment. Having an experienced team and a clear understanding of the target audience are also important. Compliance with these conditions significantly increases the chances of successfully obtaining accreditation and further development of the project.

• The average salary of employees must not be lower than the average for the country or region of registration.
• The total income of the startup must not exceed 1 million rubles from the date of its inception.
• The company must be less than three years old.

Startups must be registered in the regional list. If such a list does not exist, the organization must meet the established requirements. If a register exists, but the startup is not on it, the share of income from IT services must be at least 30%. This condition is important to ensure the legitimacy and successful functioning of a startup in the technology sector. Proper compliance with these requirements contributes to business development and increased competitiveness in the market.

Companies engaged in software development are required to be copyright holders of programs registered in the register of domestic software. They must also demonstrate receipt of income from the sale of these programs for the previous year. This requirement is important for compliance with legislation and confirming the developer's status.

When choosing this accreditation option, it is important to indicate on your website that you are developing a product that is included in the registry of domestic software. This will help highlight its compliance with requirements and increase trust among users and partners. Proper presentation of this information will facilitate the accreditation process and increase the visibility of your product in search engines.

Currently, the available list of startups covers only Moscow and the Moscow Region. This list is expected to expand to other regions of Russia in the near future. This will allow more entrepreneurs and investors to access new opportunities and resources in the startup sector.

How to correctly submit an application for accreditation through the Gosuslugi portal

Obtaining accreditation for an IT company has become much easier thanks to the Gosuslugi online service. If your organization is registered on this platform, most of the required data will be automatically uploaded to the form. This significantly saves time and reduces the risk of errors when filling out the form. Using this service allows you to streamline the accreditation process and improve the efficiency of your company in the IT sector.

To successfully accredit an IT company through the Gosuslugi portal, you must complete a number of important steps. Start by logging into your personal account, then prepare all the necessary documents. Make sure your documents meet the requirements established for accreditation to avoid delays in the process. Proper completion and timely submission of information significantly increase the chances of successfully obtaining accreditation.

The application is completed using a special form on the platform and is filled out by the manager or authorized representative. All necessary information about the company and its manager is automatically uploaded to the form, significantly simplifying the process. After the information is verified and updated, the application is signed with an electronic digital signature (EDS). This ensures the security and legitimacy of the document.

A certificate of income is generated automatically when completing the application. Just like the application itself, this document must be signed by the manager or authorized representative using an electronic digital signature (EDS). For autonomous non-profit organizations and government agencies, it is additionally necessary to provide a document confirming expenses. This requirement is important to ensure the transparency and reliability of financial information.

An extract from the startup register is a necessary document for registering your company. If there is a startup register in your region, it is important to register your company in this register. After successful registration, you will need to attach an extract from the register to your application. This will confirm the legality of your business and facilitate future interactions with investors and partners. Registration in the startup registry can also open up additional opportunities for funding and support from public and private entities.

Additional documents may include certificates from the Ministry of Internal Affairs confirming the company's director has no criminal record. It is also necessary to submit consent to disclose tax information to the Federal Tax Service (FTS). We will provide detailed instructions on how to properly complete and submit these documents.

Once all necessary documents are prepared, they are sent to the Ministry of Digital Development. Agency employees verify the company's compliance with established requirements and may request additional information from the Federal Tax Service and the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The document review process takes up to 15 business days, but in some cases it may be delayed due to the need to provide additional information.

Once the review process is complete, you will receive a notification in your personal account. This may include information about inclusion in the registry or a notification of refusal. In case of refusal or if the review deadlines were violated, you have the right to appeal the agency’s decision. Filing an appeal can be an important step in protecting your interests and obtaining a fair decision.

How to properly formalize consent to disclose tax information

There are two main ways to obtain consent to transfer tax data to the Ministry of Digital Development. This process is essential for compliance with the law and ensuring transparency in tax matters. Properly executed consent contributes to the legitimacy of tax transactions and simplifies interactions between taxpayers and government agencies.

The first method of registration involves using your personal account on the Federal Tax Service (FTS) website. To begin the process, follow these steps:

• Log in to your legal entity's personal account and go to the "Legal Entity Information" tab.
• Select the "Submission of Applications" section, then go to "Taxpayer Consent to Recognize Information Constituting a Tax Secret as Publicly Available."
• Set the manual filling mode. In the "I agree..." line, select the "Part of the information" option, entering code 1400 - "Other."
• In the "Additional Information" field, enter code 20009 so that only employees of the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media have access.
• Remember to specify the consent validity period: for organizations with more than three years of experience - from 01.01.2022 to 31.12.2023. For new companies, the period begins on the date of registration.
• Check the accuracy of all entered data and click the "Sign and Submit" button.

After submitting your application, it will be sent to the Federal Tax Service (FTS) for review. The review result can be found in the "Information on Electronic Document Management with Tax Authorities" section. Be sure to download this solution and add it to the main package of documents required for accreditation. This will avoid delays in the accreditation process and ensure that all necessary documents are correctly completed.

The second method of obtaining consent is via electronic document management (EDM) systems. Please note that the document submission procedure may vary depending on the chosen platform. However, there are general requirements that must be considered when using electronic document management (EDM) to formalize consent.

• You must manually specify the consent validity period.
• Be sure to include code 20009 to restrict access to information.

Follow all instructions of your electronic document management system to avoid delays in the registration process. Properly formalizing consent to disclose tax secrets not only improves interaction with government agencies but also increases the level of trust in your organization. This is an important step that helps ensure transparency and reliability in relationships with partners and clients.

Reasons for Denial of Accreditation of IT Companies

Obtaining accreditation in the field of information technology is a key step for many companies. However, not all organizations are able to successfully complete this process. Denial of accreditation may be due to several factors, including insufficient documentation, failure to meet established standards, and lack of necessary resources and staff qualifications. It is important to prepare for the accreditation process in advance by carefully studying the requirements and recommendations in order to minimize the risks of refusal and increase the chances of its successful completion.

• Failure to comply with established accreditation requirements.
• Refusal to provide access to tax secrets.
• More than 50% of the share owned by state or municipal bodies, with the exception of autonomous non-profit institutions.
• An institution that is a state body, state corporation or municipal institution.
• An organization related to financial institutions, such as banks, insurance companies or telecom operators, as specified in the government list dated January 23, 2003.
• Tax arrears exceeding 3,000 rubles.
• The company is managed by a person with an outstanding criminal record.

If your company has been denied accreditation, don't lose hope. After correcting all the identified deficiencies, you can reapply for accreditation. If you disagree with the decision, you have the opportunity to appeal it. This opens the prospect of having the decision reviewed and increases your chances of successfully obtaining accreditation in the future.

Cancellation of accreditation: is it possible?

Currently, the current legislation does not establish a clear validity period for accreditation, making it indefinite. However, this does not automatically guarantee accreditation for an unlimited period. Accreditation may be reviewed and revoked depending on changes in conditions or non-compliance with established requirements. Therefore, it is important to closely monitor current regulations and periodically check the status of accreditation.

The Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media (Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media) carries out unscheduled inspections of accredited companies no more than once a year. The main goal of these inspections is to confirm organizations' compliance with established requirements to maintain accreditation. During the inspection, the Ministry of Digital Development has the right to request necessary information from both the companies themselves and other government agencies, including the Tax Service and the Ministry of Internal Affairs. These measures are aimed at ensuring transparency and compliance with standards in the digital technology and communications sector.

During the inspection, if a company is found to be non-compliant, the Ministry of Digital Development has the right to revoke its accreditation. In addition, accreditation may be revoked for a number of other reasons, which emphasizes the importance of compliance with all regulations and standards.

• Company closure or change in its line of business with corresponding notification to the Unified State Register of Legal Entities.
• Providing false information, which may entail liability for officials.
• Failure to submit consent to disclose tax secrets to the Federal Tax Service (FTS), or its revocation, which may delay a repeat application for accreditation for up to one year.
• The company's own initiative to remove itself from the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media register.

If you plan to revoke accreditation yourself, you must complete an application on the Gosuslugi portal. Your application will be reviewed in just five days, after which your company's information will be removed from the register. Please note that re-application for accreditation is possible no sooner than six months later.

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