Tax Reform Debate: Tax Authority Backs Meter Mandate

Tax Reform Debate: Tax Authority Backs Meter Mandate Finland’s proposed taxi law reform has sparked political debate. The Tax Administration supports making taxi meters mandatory for all taxis — including app-based services like Uber and Bolt — to help fight the shadow economy. While the Finns Party (Perussuomalaiset) supports this measure, the National Coalition Party (Kokoomus) prefers a lighter regulatory "Dutch model" without a meter requirement for app taxis. However, the Tax Authority warns that without meters, off-app rides remain invisible, making tax evasion easier. The reform also proposes: Special license plates for taxis Linking license numbers to official permits The goal: more transparency and enforcement in an industry where hidden income has already cost millions in lost tax revenue. Source: STT via Helsingin Sanomat, 26 September 2025