The Tax Administration has recalled the deadline for formalizing payments in several key sectors of the economy, requiring that by May 30, 2026, all taxpayers operating with cash in tourism, transport and the public sector be equipped with electronic payment devices (POS/POI) at every point of sale.
This obligation directly affects a wide range of activities, from accommodation structures such as hotels, guesthouses, resorts and rental apartments, to transport operators and public institutions or companies with state capital. The goal is clear: reducing the informal economy and increasing transparency in transactions, especially in sectors where the use of cash still remains dominant.
This development comes at a time when Albanian tourism is experiencing a strong increase in visitor flow and an increasing proportion of them prefer electronic payments. In this context, the POS obligation is not only a fiscal measure, but also a market demand for increasing service standards.
According to the Tax Administration, the use of POS/POI will bring several direct benefits to businesses and consumers. On the one hand, businesses will be able to provide faster and more convenient service, avoiding the problems associated with cash management. On the other hand, customers will have more flexibility in payments, while increasing the security and traceability of each transaction.
On a broader level, this initiative is directly linked to efforts to formalize the economy and strengthen fiscal discipline. The tourism sector, in particular, has often been the focus of controls due to the high level of informal payments, especially during the summer season. The mandatory introduction of POS aims to minimize this phenomenon and create a more level playing field among operators.
Tax authorities have warned that failure to comply with this obligation within the specified deadline will be accompanied by administrative measures, which increases the pressure on businesses to act on time. In practice, this means that the coming months will be crucial for the massive adoption of electronic payments in these sectors.
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