TaxRaven
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2026

Hungary Tax Calculator 2026

Updated for 2026 official rates. Use our free Hungary salary calculator to estimate your take-home pay, effective tax rate, expat regime and crypto taxes.

Updated January 2026

Hungary Tax Calculator

Your Income
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RegimeFlat
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Tax Summary 2026

€66,500

Take-home pay per year

15% effective tax rate
Income tax€15,000
Social contributions€18,500
Total tax paid€33,500
Data source: PwC Tax Summaries 2026, official government rates

Income Tax Brackets (2026)

Taxable IncomeTax Rate
Over €015%

Frequently Asked Questions

Additional Taxes

Crypto Tax

15%

Dividends

15%

Social Security (Employee)

18.5%

Residency & Relocation

Tax Residency
> 183 days
Non-Lucrative Visa
€700/mo
Digital Nomad Visa
€3,000/mo

Calculations are based on official 2026 tax rates. Results are approximate and may vary depending on individual circumstances. We recommend consulting with a tax advisor for accurate calculations.

Detailed Tax Breakdown

Everything you need to know about taxes, deductions, and contributions

Hungary's Simple 15% Flat Tax System

Hungary operates one of Europe's simplest tax systems with flat 15% rate on ALL personal income. No progressive brackets. No complexity. Same 15% whether you earn HUF 2 million or HUF 20 million annually. System introduced in 2011, making Hungary attractive for entrepreneurs, professionals, and high earners. Combined with generous family benefits and 9% corporate rate, creates highly competitive environment.

Flat 15% Income Tax Application

Employment Income15% flat

All salaries and wages taxed at 15%. Employer withholds tax monthly via PAYE system. Simple calculation: taxable income × 15%. No brackets, no marginal rates. Someone earning HUF 5 million pays same percentage as someone earning HUF 50 million.

Self-Employment Income15% flat

Sole traders and freelancers pay 15% on business profits (revenue minus deductible expenses). Can choose flat-rate regime (fixed expense ratios) or actual accounting. Must also pay 18.5% social security + 13% social contribution tax on deemed income.

Investment Income15% flat

Dividends, interest (generally), capital gains all taxed at 15%. Withheld at source for most Hungarian investments. Foreign investment income must be declared. No preferential rates for long-term holdings.

Worldwide Income for Residents15% applies

Hungarian tax residents pay 15% on ALL worldwide income including foreign employment, foreign business, foreign investments. Foreign tax credit available under 80+ treaties to avoid double taxation. Report all global income in annual return.

What Makes 15% Actually Higher

Social Security Added18.5% employee

15% income tax is BASE rate. Employees also pay 18.5% social security contributions: pension 10%, health 4%, unemployment 3%, accident 1.5%. Total employee burden 33.5% of gross salary.

Employer Contributions14.5% on top

Employers pay 13% social contribution tax + 1.5% vocational training = 14.5% additional cost on top of gross. Not deducted from employee but impacts total employment cost. Combined burden ~48% of gross.

Contribution Cap Helps High EarnersHUF 7,747,200 monthly max

Social contributions calculated only up to HUF 7,747,200/month (≈€19,968, = 24× minimum wage). Income above this ceiling EXEMPT from contributions. High earners pay lower effective rate. Major benefit for salaries above ~€20k/month.

Comparison with Progressive Systems

vs Western EuropeSimpler, often lower

Germany: 14-45% progressive. France: 0-45% progressive. UK: 20-45% progressive. Hungary's flat 15% often results in LOWER taxes for middle and high earners. Though total burden (with social security) comparable.

vs Other Flat Tax CountriesCompetitive

Bulgaria 10% (lower but fewer benefits). Romania 10% (competitive). Estonia 20% (higher). Czech Republic 15% + 23% solidarity. Hungary's 15% very competitive, especially with family allowances.

Administrative SimplicityMajor advantage

No complex bracket calculations. No phase-outs. No alternative minimum tax. Employer withholding straightforward. Annual return simple for most people. Reduces accounting costs and compliance burden.

Revolutionary Family Tax Benefits

Hungary offers world's most generous family tax policies. Government's explicit goal: become 'tax haven for families.' From 2020-2029, phased introduction of massive benefits: mothers' exemptions, doubled family allowances, under-30 benefits. Approximately 1 million mothers benefit by 2029. Combined with pro-natalist policies (housing subsidies, car subsidies, loan forgiveness), creates comprehensive family support ecosystem.

Mothers' Full Income Tax Exemptions

4+ Children (since 2020)LIFETIME exemption

Mothers who raised/are raising 4+ children pay ZERO personal income tax for LIFE on employment income. Introduced 2020. Applies regardless of children's current age. Approximately benefiting tens of thousands of mothers. Revolutionary policy.

3 Children (from Oct 2025)LIFETIME exemption

From October 1, 2025: mothers with 3 children pay ZERO income tax for life. ~250,000 mothers benefit immediately. Saves HUF 45,000-100,000+ monthly depending on salary. Mother at average wage saves HUF 1.2 million+ annually.

2 Children Under 40 (from Jan 2026)Full exemption

From January 1, 2026: mothers under 40 with 2 children ZERO income tax. ~120,000 additional mothers benefit. Applies until year they turn 40 (can claim full year when turning 40). Major expansion of benefits.

2 Children Age 40-50 (from 2027)Full exemption

From 2027: mothers age 40-50 with 2 children exempt. ~230,000 more mothers benefit. Progressive rollout: 2026 under-40, 2027 adds 40-50, 2028 adds 50-60, 2029 universal for all 2+ child mothers regardless of age.

Universal 2+ Children (by 2029)All ages exempt

By 2029: ALL mothers with 2+ children exempt from income tax regardless of age. Estimated ~1 million mothers total benefit. Biological OR adopted children count. Life-changing policy - mothers enter workforce tax-free, exit tax-free.

Family Tax Allowances (Doubled 2026)

1 ChildHUF 133,340/month

Monthly deduction HUF 133,340 (≈€344) from taxable income. Was HUF 66,670 until June 2025, increased 50% to HUF 100,005 July-Dec 2025, DOUBLED to HUF 133,340 from January 2026. Saves HUF 20,000/month in taxes (15% of HUF 133,340).

2 ChildrenHUF 266,660 per child

HUF 266,660/month PER child (total HUF 533,320 for both). Doubled from July 2025 amount. Saves HUF 80,000/month in taxes (15% of HUF 533,320). Combined with mothers' exemptions, family saves even more.

3+ ChildrenHUF 440,000 per child

HUF 440,000/month PER child. For 3 children: total HUF 1,320,000 monthly deduction (≈€3,402). Saves HUF 198,000/month (≈€511) in taxes. Massive benefit - essentially tax-free for most families. More children = exponentially greater benefit.

How It WorksReduces tax base

Allowance deducted from income BEFORE calculating 15% tax. Example: HUF 1 million income, 2 children → deduct HUF 533,320 → taxable HUF 466,680 → tax only HUF 70,002 vs HUF 150,000 without allowance. 15% of UNUSED allowance also reduces social security contributions.

Chronically Ill/Disabled ChildExtra HUF 66,670/month

Additional HUF 66,670/month for each chronically ill or severely disabled child (on top of regular allowance). Expected to increase 150% July 2025, 200% January 2026. Provides extra HUF ~10,000 net monthly per child. Recognizes special needs families.

Other Family Benefits

First Marriage AllowanceHUF 33,335/month × 24 months

Couples marrying after Dec 31, 2014: combined HUF 33,335/month tax base reduction for 24 months after marriage. Total HUF 800,040 over 2 years, saving HUF 120,006 in taxes. Encourages marriage. Only EEA citizens + neighbors from 2025.

Maternity Benefits Tax-FreeFrom June 2025

From June 30, 2025: maternity allowance (CSED), childcare fee (GYED), adoption allowance ALL exempt from personal income tax. Previously taxed. Now tax-free. Increases net benefit for new parents significantly.

Citizenship Requirement (from 2025)EEA + neighbors only

From January 1, 2025: family allowances, under-25 relief, first marriage allowance LIMITED to EEA citizens and citizens of non-EEA neighboring countries (Serbia, Ukraine, etc). Third-country nationals (Chinese, American, etc) excluded. Controversial change.

Tax Relief for Young People

Hungary offers exceptional tax benefits for young workers to encourage employment, reduce youth unemployment, and support young families. Under-25 exemption and under-30 mothers' allowance create virtually tax-free earnings for young people. Combined with family benefits, young families can keep most of income. Major government priority since 2022.

Under-25 Tax Allowance

Tax-Free AmountHUF 656,785/month (2025)

Workers under 25 get tax allowance up to HUF 656,785/month (≈€1,695). Amount tied to national average gross wage from July prior year. Only income ABOVE this taxed at 15%. Below this: ZERO income tax. Continues through END of year person turns 25.

Monthly Tax SavingsUp to HUF 98,518

Maximum monthly tax savings: HUF 656,785 × 15% = HUF 98,518 (≈€254). Annual savings: HUF 1,182,216 (≈€3,048). For young person earning average wage, pays almost NO income tax. Only social security (18.5%) applies.

Who QualifiesUnder 25 on Jan 1

Must be under 25 years old on January 1 of tax year. If turn 25 during year, allowance continues through December 31 of that year. Example: turn 25 in March 2026 → get full 2026 allowance. Available only EEA citizens + neighbors from 2025.

Combined with Family BenefitsPowerful synergy

Young parent under 25 with children: gets under-25 allowance + family allowances. Potentially pays near-ZERO income tax even on good salary. Dramatically increases net income for young families. Government's explicit policy to encourage young parenthood.

Mothers Under 30 Allowance

Tax Allowance AmountHUF 656,785/month (2025)

Young mothers under 30 get tax allowance up to HUF 656,785/month (same as under-25 allowance). Must be eligible for family tax allowance for biological/adopted child. From 2026: applies to ENTIRE income, not just portion tied to child.

Age RequirementUnder 30 when entitled

Must be under 30 when became entitled to family allowance (pregnancy, birth, adoption). From 2026: can continue claiming through end of year turning 30. Example: entitled at 28, turn 30 in 2026 → get full 2026 allowance.

Expansion 2026More comprehensive

Before 2026: allowance limited to income related to child. From January 2026: applies to mother's ENTIRE income. Also covers mothers with EXISTING children, not just new mothers. Major expansion making benefit much more valuable.

Social Security Contributions

Hungarian social security system covers health insurance, pension, unemployment, disability, maternity, and work accident insurance. Contributions lower than Western Europe but adequate coverage. Unique feature: contributions capped at 24× minimum wage, creating ceiling that benefits high earners. Combined employee-employer rate ~33%, below EU average of ~40%.

Employee Contributions (18.5%)

Pension Insurance10%

Largest component. Funds state pay-as-you-go pension system. Hungary has mandatory one-pillar system since 2011 (voluntary private pension dissolved). Retirement age 62-64 depending on birth year. Minimum 20 years contributions required. Pension calculated from lifetime contributions and average wage.

Health Insurance4%

Employee portion of health insurance. Combined with employer 4.8%, total 8% funds public healthcare system. Covers doctor visits, hospitals, medications (with co-pays), emergency care. Lower than most EU countries (Germany 14.6%, France 21%).

Unemployment Insurance3%

Funds unemployment benefits. Hungary offers up to 90 days unemployment benefit (3 months). Short compared to Western Europe but lower contribution rate. Benefit: 60% of previous wage for first month, then 60% of minimum wage.

Work Accident Insurance1.5%

Covers work-related injuries and occupational diseases. Provides sickness benefits, rehabilitation, disability pension if needed. Relatively low rate reflects good workplace safety in many sectors.

Maximum Base (2026)HUF 7,747,200/month

Contributions calculated only up to HUF 7,747,200 monthly (≈€19,968, = 24× minimum wage HUF 322,800). Income above ceiling EXEMPT from contributions. Someone earning HUF 10 million/month still pays same absolute contributions as HUF 7.75 million earner. Regressive above ceiling.

Employer Contributions (14.5%)

Social Contribution Tax13%

Employer's main contribution. Called 'social tax' (szociális hozzájárulási adó). Pays for healthcare, pensions, family support. Paid on TOP of gross salary, not deducted from employee. Lower than most EU: France 45%, Belgium 35%, Germany 19.5%. Makes Hungary attractive for businesses.

Vocational Training Contribution1.5%

Mandatory contribution for vocational training and development. Supports Hungary's vocational education system. Small but adds to total employer cost. Total employer burden: 13% + 1.5% = 14.5% on gross.

Total Employment Cost~115% of gross

Gross salary + 14.5% employer contributions = total employment cost. Example: HUF 1 million gross → employer pays HUF 1,145,000 total. Much lower than Western Europe (France 165%, Belgium 154%, Germany 120%). Competitive advantage.

Monthly FilingDue 12th of month

Employers withhold employee portions (18.5% + 15% tax) and pay own portions (14.5%). Total remitted to NAV by 12th of following month. Electronic filing mandatory. Late payment: interest at Central Bank rate + 5%, plus fixed penalties.

Self-Employed Contributions

Full Burden18.5% + 13%

Self-employed pay BOTH employee (18.5%) and employer (13%) portions. Total 31.5% social contributions plus 1.5% vocational training = 33% on self-declared income. Plus 15% income tax. Total tax+contributions ~48% of income. Heavy but similar to employees' total burden.

Minimum Base (2026)HUF 757,340/month

Self-employed must calculate contributions on AT LEAST HUF 757,340/month (≈€1,952, = 0.38× average salary). Even if actual income lower. Ensures minimum contributions for minimum benefits. Can choose higher base for better pensions.

Maximum BaseHUF 7,747,200/month

Can't calculate contributions above HUF 7,747,200/month even if earnings higher. Same ceiling as employees. Protects high-earning self-employed from excessive contributions. Strategic income planning important.

Directors/Board MembersHUF 1,295,450 minimum

Company directors and craftsmen keeping books: higher minimum base HUF 1,295,450/month. If company pays less, Tax Administration calculates difference and bills at year-end. Ensures adequate contributions for management positions.

Simplified Tax Regimes for Small Business

Hungary offers two simplified tax regimes for small entrepreneurs: KATA (fixed monthly tax) and flat-rate taxation (átalányadózás). Both dramatically reduce paperwork vs standard accounting. KATA most popular - simple fixed payment covers all taxes. Flat-rate uses deemed expense percentages. Both limit risk, reduce accounting costs, simplify compliance. Perfect for freelancers, consultants, small service providers.

KATA Small Business Tax

Fixed Monthly PaymentHUF 50,000/month

Pay fixed HUF 50,000 monthly (≈€129) regardless of actual revenue (up to HUF 18 million annually). REPLACES personal income tax, social security contributions, vocational training tax. Simple, predictable, no surprises. Just pay HUF 50,000 every month.

Revenue LimitHUF 18 million/year

Base HUF 50,000/month rate applies to revenue up to HUF 18 million annually (≈€46,496). Most freelancers and small service providers fall below this. Provides certainty for budgeting. Can scale business knowing exact tax cost.

Excess Revenue40% tax above limit

Revenue exceeding HUF 18 million: pay additional 40% tax on EXCESS only. Example: HUF 20 million revenue → HUF 50,000/month on first HUF 18M + 40% on HUF 2M excess = total HUF 1,400,000 annual tax. Still reasonable.

Who Can UseIndividual entrepreneurs

Only individual entrepreneurs (egyéni vállalkozó), not companies. Maximum ONE KATA-payer per household (spouses can't both use). Must meet activity requirements. Popular among: freelancers, consultants, tutors, small service providers, online sellers, drivers.

What's IncludedComprehensive coverage

HUF 50,000 payment COVERS: personal income tax, social security contributions (pension, health, unemployment), vocational training tax. Provides access to healthcare, pension accrual, unemployment protection. All-in-one tax solution.

What's NOT IncludedLocal business tax

KATA doesn't cover local business tax (helyi iparűzési adó). Municipalities can levy up to 2% tax on net revenue. Must register and pay separately. Also VAT: if turnover exceeds VAT threshold, must register and charge VAT separately from KATA.

Flat-Rate Taxation (Átalányadózás)

Deemed Expense Ratios40% or 80% typical

Instead of tracking actual expenses, apply FIXED percentage. 40% expense ratio → 60% of revenue taxable (common default). 80% expense ratio → 20% taxable (often for low-overhead services). Saves massive accounting time. No need to keep expense receipts.

Who Can UseBelow revenue limits

Available if annual revenue below: HUF 38.7 million (≈€99,966) for general activities (= 10× annual minimum wage 2026), OR HUF 193.7 million (≈€500,349) for retail (= 50× annual minimum wage). Limits prorated if start mid-year.

Tax Calculation15% + contributions

Calculate deemed taxable income (revenue × taxable percentage). Pay 15% income tax + 18.5% social security + 13% social contribution tax on this amount. Example: HUF 10M revenue, 40% expense → HUF 6M taxable → ~HUF 2.8M total tax+contributions.

Benefits vs StandardMinimal bookkeeping

Don't need full accounting, detailed expense tracking, complex books. Just maintain chronological revenue register: invoice number, date, client, amount, expense ratio. Dramatically reduces administrative burden. Can manage yourself without accountant.

DrawbacksCan't deduct actual expenses

Locked into deemed percentage even if actual expenses higher. Example: 40% deemed but 60% actual costs → still pay tax on 60% of revenue. Can't switch mid-year. Must evaluate if deemed expenses match reality. Better for service businesses with low real costs.

Comparing Tax Regimes

KATA Best ForLow-medium revenue

Freelancers, consultants, part-time entrepreneurs earning under HUF 18M annually. Want absolute simplicity. Don't mind fixed cost regardless of monthly fluctuations. Value predictability over optimization. Willing to sacrifice some savings for zero paperwork.

Flat-Rate Best ForHigher revenue, low costs

Service businesses with revenue HUF 18-38M. Actual expenses lower than 40-80% of revenue. Want simplicity but KATA limit too low. Don't want to maintain full accounting. Still desire significant tax savings vs standard regime.

Standard Regime Best ForHigh costs, large business

Businesses with substantial real costs (inventory, materials, equipment, employees). Revenue exceeds flat-rate limits. Want to deduct ALL actual expenses. Willing to maintain proper books and hire accountant. Need accurate profit calculation for business decisions.

Capital Income and Investment Taxation

Hungary taxes capital income at same 15% flat rate as employment income. No preferential rates for long-term holdings. No separate capital gains schedules. Everything 15%: dividends, interest, stock gains, crypto. Simple and predictable but offers no tax advantages for investors vs employees. Real estate has some exemptions for long-term holdings. Overall: straightforward system with no optimization opportunities.

Dividends, Interest, Capital Gains

Dividends15% flat

Dividends from Hungarian and foreign companies: 15% final tax. Withheld at source if from Hungarian company. Foreign dividends: declare in annual return, pay 15%. No distinction between qualified/non-qualified. No holding period requirements. Straightforward 15% always.

Interest IncomeGenerally 15%

Interest from bank deposits, bonds, loans: generally 15%. Withheld at source for Hungarian banks. Foreign interest: declare and pay 15%. Certain government bond interest may be exempt under specific conditions. Always verify exemptions.

Capital Gains15% on profits

Selling stocks, bonds, funds, other securities: 15% tax on PROFIT (sale price minus purchase price/cost basis). Must track basis carefully. Losses can offset gains. Net capital loss carried forward. No special rate for long-term holdings.

Cryptocurrency15% when realized

Crypto gains taxed at 15% when converted to fiat OR used to purchase goods/services. Mining and staking income also 15%. Must declare all crypto transactions. Losses offset gains. No crypto-specific exemptions. Treated same as other capital assets.

Real Estate Taxation

Property Sales Tax15% on gains generally

Selling real estate: 15% tax on profit (sale price minus purchase price minus selling costs). Unlike financial assets, real estate has EXEMPTIONS based on holding period and use. Without exemption: standard 15% on gains.

Long-Term Holding Exemption5+ years ownership

Own property 5+ years: sale potentially TAX-FREE. Applies to certain property types and situations. Major incentive for long-term real estate investment. Must meet specific conditions. Verify eligibility carefully.

Inherited PropertySpecial rules

Inherited property: cost basis typically fair market value at inheritance date. Subsequent sale taxed on gains from that basis. Inheritance itself not subject to inheritance tax for first-line heirs (no inheritance tax for children, spouse). Encourages intergenerational wealth transfer.

Tax Filing and Administration

Hungarian tax administration handled by NAV (National Tax and Customs Administration). System highly digitized. Most employees don't need to file separately - employer withholding sufficient. Self-employed and those with complex income must file annual returns. Electronic filing encouraged with deadline extensions. Tax year = calendar year. Relatively efficient system compared to many EU countries.

For Employees

Monthly Withholding (PAYE)Employer handles

Employer withholds 15% income tax + 18.5% social security contributions monthly. Remits to NAV by 12th of following month along with employer contributions (14.5%). Employees see net salary after all deductions. Automatic and seamless.

Annual Tax Certificate (M30)By January 31

Employer issues annual tax certificate (M30 form) by January 31 for previous year. Shows total income, taxes withheld, contributions paid. Employee uses for annual reconciliation if needed. Keep for records. Important document if claiming refund or filing return.

When Employees Must FileComplex situations only

Must file annual return if: foreign income, multiple employers, self-employment income, investment income not taxed at source, claiming special deductions (pension contributions, donations), tax wasn't withheld properly. Otherwise NO filing needed.

Annual Tax Return

Who Must FileSelf-employed + complex cases

MUST file: self-employed (mandatory), those with foreign income, investment income requiring declaration, rental income, capital gains not withheld, claiming deductions beyond standard withholding. Also if multiple income sources requiring reconciliation.

Filing DeadlineMay 20 (or March 31 online)

Standard deadline: May 20 for previous tax year. Online filing via NAV portal (ÁNYK or NAV online system): deadline often extended to March 31 OF FOLLOWING YEAR with 5% voluntary discount available. File early electronically to get discount and faster refund.

What to ReportAll income sources

Report ALL income: employment (using M30), self-employment, rental, investment, foreign income. Declare deductions: pension contributions, donations, etc. Calculate tax liability. Reconcile with withheld amounts. Pay difference or claim refund. Comprehensive worldwide income for residents.

How to FileElectronic preferred

Online: NAV portal at nav.gov.hu via 'Mina sidor' (My Pages) using electronic ID or registered account. ÁNYK software (Általános Nyomtatványkitöltő Keretprogram) for offline preparation. Tax software compatible with NAV. Paper filing still possible but discouraged. Most people file electronically.

Penalties and Interest

Late FilingFixed penalties

Late tax return: fixed fines HUF 5,000-50,000 per violation depending on severity. Repeated violations: increasing penalties. Tax fraud: criminal penalties possible. NAV takes enforcement seriously. File on time to avoid issues.

Late PaymentInterest charged

Unpaid taxes: daily interest at Hungarian National Bank base rate + 5%. Interest only charged if accumulated amount exceeds HUF 5,000. Can add up quickly. Set up payment plans if can't pay immediately. Better to arrange than ignore.

Voluntary DisclosureReduced penalties

Self-reporting errors before NAV discovers: potentially reduced penalties or warnings only. Voluntary disclosure encouraged. Better to fix mistakes proactively than wait for audit. NAV generally more lenient with voluntary corrections.

Minimum Wages and Contribution Bases 2026

Hungary raised minimum wages significantly for 2026: standard minimum wage up 11% to HUF 322,800 monthly, guaranteed minimum (requiring diploma) up 7% to HUF 373,200. All contribution thresholds and calculations adjust based on minimum wage. Regular annual increases ensure living wage keeps pace with inflation. Minimum wages tied to all social security calculations.

2026 Minimum Wages

Standard Minimum WageHUF 322,800/month

Minimum for jobs NOT requiring qualification/diploma. 11% increase from 2025 (was HUF 290,800). Annual: HUF 3,873,600 (≈€9,984). Gross amount before taxes. Used as basis for contribution calculations (minimum base, maximum base).

Guaranteed Minimum WageHUF 373,200/month

Minimum for jobs requiring AT LEAST high school diploma or vocational qualification. 7% increase from 2025 (was HUF 348,800). Annual: HUF 4,478,400 (≈€11,548). Higher minimum recognizes skilled work. Employers must verify qualifications.

Why Two MinimumsSkill recognition

Two-tier system recognizes education/training. Qualified workers guaranteed higher minimum. Incentivizes education and vocational training. Employers can't pay qualified workers standard minimum - must pay guaranteed minimum. Enforcement through labor inspections.

Contribution Bases Tied to Minimum Wage

General Minimum BaseHUF 757,340/month

0.38× average salary (calculation method for 2026). Self-employed must calculate contributions on AT LEAST this amount even if earnings lower. Ensures minimum pension/health coverage. Can choose higher base voluntarily for better future pensions.

Directors Minimum BaseHUF 1,295,450/month

Company directors, board members, craftsmen keeping books: higher minimum base. Reflects management responsibility. If company pays less, Tax Administration calculates difference at year-end and bills separately. Can't avoid by paying low director salary.

Maximum Contribution BaseHUF 7,747,200/month

24× minimum wage (HUF 322,800 × 24). Contributions NOT calculated on income above this ceiling. Income above HUF 7,747,200: exempt from social security contributions but still pays 15% income tax. Creates effective cap benefiting high earners.

VAT and Other Taxes

Beyond income tax and social security, Hungary has standard EU VAT system and various smaller taxes. VAT high at 27% (one of EU's highest). Property taxes minimal. No wealth tax, no inheritance tax for close relatives. Vehicle registration taxes based on age/emissions. Overall tax burden concentrated on income and consumption, light on wealth and property.

Value Added Tax (VAT)

Standard Rate27%

Standard VAT rate 27% - one of highest in EU (most countries 19-25%). Applies to most goods and services. Businesses charge VAT on sales, deduct VAT on purchases, remit difference to government. Significant cost for consumers.

Reduced Rates18%, 5%

Reduced rate 18%: certain goods (flour, dairy, fish, eggs, some medicines). Super-reduced 5%: books, newspapers, medicines, district heating. Essentials taxed lower to reduce burden on necessities. Still relatively high compared to EU averages.

VAT RegistrationHUF 20 million threshold

Must register for VAT if annual turnover exceeds HUF 20 million (≈€51,662) from 2026. Previously HUF 12 million. Raised to reduce burden on small businesses. Can register voluntarily below threshold if advantageous (to recover input VAT).

SZÉP Card SystemTax-advantaged benefits

Széchenyi Pihenő Card (SZÉP card) - employer-funded cafeteria benefit card. Tax-advantaged way to provide non-cash benefits: accommodation, hospitality, leisure. Limits: HUF 450,000 total + HUF 120,000 'Active Hungary' sub-account. Taxed at 28% vs normal 33.04% for cash. Popular benefit.

Property and Wealth Taxes

No Wealth TaxNot levied

Hungary has NO general wealth tax on net worth or assets. No annual tax on ownership of investments, bank accounts, property (except small property tax). Favorable for high-net-worth individuals. Wealth taxed only when generating income (dividends, capital gains).

Property TaxMinimal, local

Local municipalities can levy property tax. Rates very low compared to Western Europe. Typically based on property size, not market value. Many municipalities don't levy at all. Total property tax burden negligible - few hundred euros annually typical.

No Inheritance Tax (Close Relatives)First-line heirs exempt

NO inheritance tax for spouses, children, parents, grandparents, grandchildren. Inheritance passes tax-free. More distant relatives: 18% inheritance tax may apply. Gift tax similar structure. Very favorable for intergenerational wealth transfer within close family.

Property Transfer TaxWhen buying real estate

Buying property: 4% transfer tax on acquisition value (purchase price or official value, whichever higher). Paid by buyer. One-time tax, not annual. Significant initial cost when acquiring property. No tax on selling (capital gains tax separate).