Recent fiscal data show that new regions within the Russian Federation reported a meaningful rise in tax collections during 2023, increasing by about 34 percent compared with 2022. This insight came from Konstantin Chekmyshev, the Deputy Head of the Federal Tax Service, during an extended meeting of the Accounting Chamber’s board. The discussion highlighted how tax administration expanded in these areas, even as overall tax pressure appeared to ease. The figures indicate that in the DPR, LPR, Kherson, and Lugansk regions, tax revenue reached roughly 210 billion rubles for the year. Movements toward stronger budgeting in 2024 are already visible, with January and February showing around a twofold increase in revenue compared with the same period in 2023. These results underscore both regional growth and changes in how tax income is recorded and allocated. [Citation: Federal Tax Service]
Analysts note that the composition of tax income shifted somewhat during this period, reflecting adjustments in policy and administration as well as market conditions. The expansion in revenue occurred alongside a deliberate easing of some tax burdens, signaling a balancing act between stimulating regional development and preserving nationwide fiscal stability. This context helps explain the multi-month uptick in receipts, even as certain sectors faced transitional pressures. [Citation: Accounting Chamber]
Alongside these developments, the agenda included discussions on flexible export taxation. The service announced a framework in which export taxes would respond to prevailing currency movements, with rates varying in line with the dollar exchange rate. The advisory notes indicated that duties on several key products, including alcohol, tobacco, metals, and fertilizer, could fluctuate within a defined band. The aim is to align export revenue with real-time market conditions while avoiding sharp revenue changes to the budget. [Citation: Federal Tax Service]
Starting October 1, 2023, the policy introduced variable-rate export duties designed to reflect international price dynamics and currency fluctuations. In practice, the tax burden shifts within a range, from a few percentage points to a higher share, depending on the current exchange rate. This mechanism seeks to stabilize budget planning while keeping export sectors competitive and ensuring transparent, predictable revenue streams for public finance in the short and medium term. [Citation: Government policy briefing]
The broader revenue picture for the Russian budget has shown periods of record levels in the past, and the latest data suggest ongoing resilience in certain revenue streams. While regional growth fuels additional receipts, policymakers continue to monitor the balance between tax workload, enforcement efficiency, and economic activity. The ongoing evaluations emphasize the importance of transparent administration and consistent tax collection practices across jurisdictions, especially in regions experiencing transitional governance. [Citation: Fiscal monitoring report]