KIEV, March 11 – The Income and Tax Ministry said it plans to take all the necessary steps to reduce the unitary social tax rate to 15% in 2013.

In order to lower the tax rate, the government needs to hold extended consultations with businesses so that this initiative does not cause any inconveniences to taxpayers, Income and Tax Minister Oleksandr Klymenko said on the First National TV Channel.

"We have to hold all the necessary consultations with those who pay this tax, which is a very large community, settle all these pressing issues and introduce [the reduced unitary social tax rate]. I believe that we can carry out these initiatives in 2013, and we will take a decisive step towards this issue," he said.