The most common myths about PRRO: what should businesses know?

The introduction of PRRO has been one of the key stages in the digitalization of business in Ukraine. It has simplified accounting and given entrepreneurs more tools to work with. However, like any technology, PRRO has been surrounded by myths and misconceptions.

Some entrepreneurs believe that software cash registers are too expensive, while others believe that they do not work without the internet. In this article, we will examine and dispel the most common myths about PRRO.

Myth 1. PRRO is expensive

A classic cash register requires significant expenses: from tens of thousands of hryvnias for purchase to ongoing costs for receipt rolls, maintenance, and replacement of equipment in case of breakdown.

Software cash registers are significantly cheaper: the main costs are the subscription fee to the software provider, an affordable receipt printer (if needed), and a laptop, which businesses usually already have.

Myth 2. PRRO does not work without the Internet

The legislation provides for offline mode of operation of the PRRO:

• up to 36 hours in a row;
• but no more than 168 hours per month.

During this time, you can create receipts, open and close shifts, and generate Z-reports. When the connection is restored, all data is automatically transferred to the State Tax Service server.

The main condition is predefined ranges of fiscal numbers. For example, the offline mode in the PRRO “Vchasno.Kasa” provides complete autonomy of operation. All sales are registered locally and, after restoring Internet access, are automatically sent to the tax service.

Myth 3. With PRRO on your phone, you cannot accept cards or print receipts.

Mobile PRROs are not limited in their capabilities — you can not only conduct transactions and create reports from your phone or tablet, but also print fiscal receipts. All you need to do is connect a compact Bluetooth printer.

Tap to Phone technology allows you to turn a smartphone with built-in NFC into a POS terminal. In addition, QR codes and other cashless methods are available.

Electronic receipts can be sent to customers via email, SMS, Viber, or messengers, or other mobile printing devices.

Myth 4. The tax authority sees all internal business data through the PRRO

The State Tax Service only receives the data contained in the fiscal receipt: the name and quantity of goods, price, amount, time of transaction, seller details, etc. This is a legal requirement.

The internal database of goods, change history, administrator access, and other business settings remain in your PRRO system and are not automatically transferred. The tax authorities can only see bank accounts or other financial transactions within the limits of the procedures provided for by law (reporting, bank requests), but not directly through the PRRO.

The PRRO does not disclose “all business” to the State Tax Service, but only transfers mandatory data related to settlement transactions.

Myth 5. Fiscalization will cause goods to become 20% more expensive

The PRRO has no direct impact on the pricing of goods. The cost of products continues to be determined by market factors: supply and demand, logistics, raw material costs, exchange rates, competition, etc. Fiscalization only makes business sales transparent to the state, but does not change pricing.

Regarding the entrepreneur’s expenses:

• the software RRO does not require the purchase of expensive equipment; it can be installed on a regular smartphone, tablet, or computer;
• an inexpensive receipt printer may be required if paper receipts are needed, but electronic receipts are completely legal;
• most functions are automated, so maintenance costs are minimal.

Myth 6. With PRRO, you will have to submit additional reports.

Many entrepreneurs fear that with the introduction of PRRO, the bureaucratic burden will increase, they will have to keep new journals, print reports, and personally visit the tax office.

In fact, the PRRO software automates this process as much as possible. All necessary reports are generated automatically and sent electronically to the tax office. An entrepreneur only needs a few clicks to close a shift or generate the necessary document. There is no need to print reports on paper or keep separate accounting books.

Thus, the PRRO does not add unnecessary reporting, but rather significantly simplifies the life of an entrepreneur.

Myth 7. You need a separate specialist on staff to work with the cash register

Some people believe that the cash register software is so complex that you cannot do without a separate accountant or cashier with the appropriate skills.

The cash register software is designed so that anyone can use it. Its interface is simple and intuitive, and its basic functions — generating receipts, registering sales, sending data to the tax office — can be mastered in just a few minutes.

What’s more, there are numerous video tutorials, online tips, and even support from the service itself. Therefore, entrepreneurs do not need to hire a separate person to work with the software cash register.

Myth 8. Registering a PRRO is complicated and time-consuming

This myth arises from associations with past procedures, when installing a traditional cash register required visiting the tax office, gathering documents, and waiting for weeks.

You can register a PRRO within one day. Everything is done online through the taxpayer’s electronic office. All you need to do is submit an application in electronic form, after which the PRRO is automatically registered and the data is synchronized with the State Tax Service system. Or you can take advantage of the system’s capabilities. For example, in Vchasno.Kasa, you can automatically send applications for registration of a retail outlet, cash register, and cashier key from your account.

No queues, paper documents, or personal visits to the tax office — everything is simple, fast, and transparent.

Myth 9. Regular “reflashing” is required

Classic cash registers do indeed need to be “reflashed” in the event of changes in legislation. However, software cash registers are completely free of this problem. They are updated automatically, just like regular mobile applications. The entrepreneur does not need to do anything: the service itself updates the new rules and adjusts the operation.

This means no reprogramming costs, no malfunctions, and a guarantee that the PRRO always complies with current legal requirements.

Myth 10. PRRO is not mandatory in villages

In fact, there are exceptions in rural areas where sole proprietors can operate without a cash register.

Trade without RRO/PRRO is possible if:

• the entrepreneur is on a single tax;
• trade takes place in premises without excisable goods (alcohol, tobacco, etc.);
• there are no online sales;
• the village/settlement council has not made it mandatory to use a cash register;
• the annual turnover per store does not exceed 167 minimum wages.

Services without a cash register/cashless register are permitted for household work:

• repair of appliances, furniture, apartments, clothing, and footwear;
• photography;
• cleaning;
• care for children or the elderly;
• cooking, laundry, etc.

In this case, there is no turnover limit, but the individual entrepreneur must work independently, without hired employees, and engage only in the activities specified in the list.

💡 Important: even in such cases, entrepreneurs must keep cash books and books of accounting for settlement transactions.