CORPORATE AND LOCAL TAXES: HOW THEY APPLY

Objective

Equip companies entering the Hungarian market with essential knowledge about corporate and local taxes in Hungary. The training will focus on understanding tax structures, compliance, and practical applications relevant to their accounting departments.

Target audience: Accountants, financial controllers, tax advisors, and other relevant personnel in the finance department.

overview

Overview of the Hungarian Tax System and Corporate Income Tax (CIT)

1. Introduction to the Hungarian Tax Environment

Objectives:

  • Familiarize participants with the legal and regulatory framework of Hungary’s tax system.

  • Develop understanding of the authorities and relevant tax codes.

Content:

  • Hungarian tax structure overview:

    • Direct vs. indirect taxes

    • Relevant legislation: Act LXXXI of 1996 on Corporate Tax

    • Key authorities: National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV)

  • Understanding Hungarian corporate tax residency rules:

    • Difference between local and foreign entities.

Relief from double taxation and its impact on cross-border businesses.

Why It’s Important:

Participants must understand the overarching tax framework to navigate compliance and ensure proper alignment with Hungarian laws.

2. Corporate Income Tax (CIT)

Objectives:

Understand the corporate income tax structure and computation in Hungary, including deductions, rates, and declarations.

Content:

    • Overview of CIT:

      • Standard CIT rate: 9% (one of the lowest in Europe)

      • Taxable entities: Hungarian-resident companies, permanent establishments of foreign companies

      • Filing and reporting deadlines

    • Tax Base Calculation:

      • Revenues vs. allowable deductions (operational costs, depreciation, interest, etc.)

      • Non-deductible expenses (penalties, certain donations, etc.)

    • Tax credits and exemptions:

      • R&D incentives, development tax incentives, and investment support.

    • Filing requirements and penalties for non-compliance:

      • Due dates, filing process, and associated penalties for late or incorrect filings.

  • Tax implications and cross-border transactions.

Why It’s Important:

Knowing how to calculate and report corporate tax correctly is vital to avoid legal issues and minimize the company’s tax burden.

Local Taxes and Industry-Specific Tax Considerations

3. Local Business Taxes (LBT)

Objectives:

Equip participants with knowledge on Hungary’s Local Business Tax (LBT) and how it applies to their operations.

Content:

  • Overview of LBT:

    • Tax rate: Maximum of 2% of net sales revenue

    • Who is liable: Companies operating within a municipality

    • Calculation: Taxable base as gross revenue minus certain deductions (such as the cost of materials)

  • Filing Requirements:

    • Differences in administration across municipalities.

    • Submission deadlines, filing frequencies.

  • Tax Implications for Multinational Companies:

    • Determining local vs. global revenues.

    • How to allocate income between Hungarian operations and parent companies abroad.

Why It’s Important:

Local taxes significantly impact the company’s profitability. Compliance ensures smooth operations and accurate financial planning.

4. Special Taxes and Practical Application

Objectives:

Gain insight into additional taxes that may affect specific industries and how to apply the learned knowledge through practical exercises.

Content:

  • Industry-Specific Taxes:

    • Sectoral taxes in telecommunications, financial services, and energy.

    • Local environmental tax and sector-based contributions.

  • VAT Overview (value-added tax):

    • Basic principles: Standard rate of 27% (highest in the EU), reduced rates for certain goods.

    • Cross-border VAT rules (for EU-related transactions).

  • Practical Application:

    • Case study: Applying CIT and LBT for a simulated company.

    • Group exercises: Identify key tax risks and discuss mitigation strategies.

Why It’s Important:

Some industries are subject to specific taxation rules, which may complicate compliance. Additionally, VAT is one of the most commonly encountered taxes for international trade.

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