New Box 3 system device delayed until 2028

In late 2024, the tax system in Box 3 was actively discussed. Many were concerned that the new system, which would take into account the real income from savings and investments, would complicate the tax process and make savings less profitable.

The Supreme Court ruled in 2021 that the current system of taxation based on assumed income was unlawful. This system was particularly unfair to savers with low real returns, as they were paying taxes based on excessively high assumed rates of return. In response, the government decided to introduce a new system that would take into account the actual returns on assets, but its implementation required significant changes to tax laws and administration.

In June last year, the Supreme Court ruled that the proposed measures to fix the Box 3 system were insufficient. This required further work, making it impossible to implement the new system by 2027. As a result, the government decided to adjust the current Box 3 system.

Changes since 2026

• Fixed income for other assets will increase by 1,78%.
• The tax-free minimum will be reduced to €52.048.
• Taxpayers whose actual income is lower than the estimated one will be able to submit a special form in 2027 to prove their actual income.

Temporary solution until 2028

The current tax system will continue to operate on the basis of estimated income. However, if a taxpayer disagrees with the calculated income, he or she will be able to apply for a refund of the overpaid tax. This will require providing documents to the tax service confirming that the actual income is lower than the estimated one.

Criticism and complexity of implementation

An earlier proposal, which would have calculated the tax based on actual income from 2025, received significant criticism from the Council of State. The main criticisms included the increased complexity of the tax system, deterioration in service quality and insufficient control. Taxpayers would have to itemise their capital themselves, including real estate, savings, investments and securities. This was considered too complicated for both citizens and the tax service, which is already overburdened and working with outdated systems.

Budgetary implications

The government expects the temporary changes to raise an extra €2,5 billion by increasing taxes on assets such as shares, property and cryptocurrencies starting in 2026, while saving owners will not pay more tax to avoid repeating the unfairness of the previous system.

The main goal

The government continues to develop a new, fairer tax system based on the actual return on assets. However, this system is not planned to be implemented until 2028. Until then, the current system will remain in place with adjustments.