Starting from August 1st, a series of significant fiscal measures will be implemented in Romania, which will affect both citizens and companies. Among the main changes are the increase in VAT, the rise in excise duties, and the introduction of a new contribution for retirees with high incomes. These measures are part of the Law on certain fiscal-budgetary measures to ensure the financial sustainability of the country, published in the Romanian Official Gazette, reports IPN.
One of the most significant changes is the introduction of two differentiated VAT rates: 21% for the standard rate and 11% for certain goods and services, such as food, non-alcoholic beverages, medicines, and medical devices. At the same time, some products and services that previously benefited from reduced VAT, such as new homes and photovoltaic panels, will now be taxed at the standard rate of 21%.
At the same time, pensioners with monthly pensions exceeding 3 000 Romanian lei will be required to pay a 10% health social insurance contribution (CASS), applied only to the amount that exceeds this threshold. This change is significant, as until now, pensioners were exempt from paying CASS.
Excise duties on tobacco products, alcohol, and fuels will increase by 10%, and gambling will be progressively taxed, with a rate of up to 40% applied to earnings exceeding 66 750 Romanian lei. Also, starting from January 1 2026, the dividend tax will rise from 10% to 16%.
In the field of transportation, the Bucharest Government will increase the rates for the vignette, which will reach 50 euros per year for category A cars. At the same time, banks will pay an additional tax on turnover, which will double from 2% to 4%, starting from July of this year.
The real estate market will be affected, as the reduced 9% VAT for new homes will be replaced with the standard rate of 21%. This change could lead to a price increase of 10 000-15 000 euros. However, there will be a transition period for those who sign the pre-contract and pay a deposit of at least 20% by August 1st.
