Finnish citizens can buy assistance from private service providers tax-free if their functional ability is reduced due to age or illness, yet many are unaware of their rights.
In Finland, many people are unaware of their rights to purchase home assistance services tax-free, particularly those whose functional ability has diminished due to age or health issues. Such services can include assistance with cleaning or grocery shopping, providing essential support to those in need. Riikka Ahtiainen, CEO of the home service chain Kotirinki, reports that ignorance about these rights is prevalent, as the company encounters multiple situations each week where clients do not know the services they can access.
The issue has been highlighted by the Office of the Elderly Affairs Ombudsman, which released solutions at the beginning of the year aimed at improving the availability of home care services and reinforcing citizens' rights. The report indicates that clients receiving home care are frequently unaware of the services they can obtain and their costs, underscoring a need for better communication and outreach regarding available options. Ahtiainen expresses concern that this issue is not receiving the attention it deserves in the current societal context.
Moreover, there is a notable financial advantage for those who utilize these tax-exempt services, as purchasing services without value-added tax (VAT) can lead to significant cost savings. The current tax exemption for these services is set at 25.5%, which has implications not only for individual consumers but also for the broader discussion about accessibility and rights in home care. Addressing this knowledge gap is essential for empowering Finns to take advantage of their entitlements and improve their quality of life at home.
