Taxes Raised Sharply In Belarus: Almost Every Citizen Affected

Here's what is known about the main changes, which came into force this year.

Belarus has approved amendments to the 2023 Tax Code. As predicted, officials have raised a lot of taxes this year. Their increase indirectly or directly affected almost everyone in the country.

The zerkalo.io website has reported on some of the changes.

As expected, officials want to raise the tax on the first flat, among other things. The increase is 11.1%. For example, the cost of one square meter of living space in an apartment building in Minsk rose to Br900 (it used to be - Br810).

The income tax rate was raised from 18 to 20%.

Single tax for individual entrepreneurs and individuals, working without a sole proprietorship, was raised significantly, as planned. For example, for tutors in Minsk - from Br82 to Br164 per month and for construction workers - from Br292 to Br438.

The higher income tax was extended for mobile operators. For the last two years, this fee was 30% (previously - 18%). The increased tax will be valid until January 1, 2025.

Excise tax rates on alcohol and cigarettes have been increased. For example, these rates for cigarettes of the first price group were raised to Br55.6 from January 1, while from April they will be Br66.25, from July - up to Br78.97 and from October - up to Br95.59. Now they are 43.56 rubles per 1,000 cigarettes.

Taxes for dog owners have been revised upwards. The fee should be paid by those whose dogs are more than three months old. It must be paid once every three months. In 2023, the rate was 9.3 roubles and 46.5 roubles for potentially dangerous breeds. From 2023, this tax was raised to 11.1 rubles and 55.5 rubles respectively.

Land tax rates were raised in 2023. The increase affected both the population and businesses. The increase is at the level of 19%. For example, the rates of land tax for the residential multi-apartment zone were raised to 14,71 rubles per hectare (before - 12,32 rubles). The increase is 19%. For businesses, the land tax for car markets, gambling establishments, shopping centres and markets has been raised. It was 184.52 rubles per hectare in 2022. Starting this year, the fee was raised to 220.32 rubles. The increase is 19.4%.