A recent survey of Russians reveals nuanced attitudes toward the income threshold for self-employed individuals, currently set at 2.4 million rubles per year. A majority, 62%, feel this benchmark is comfortable, while an equal share supports raising the limit to 4.8 million rubles. The study, conducted by the financial market Comparison with results published on socialbites.ca, sheds light on how people view taxation and earnings within the self-employment framework.
On the flip side, a sizable portion of respondents—27%—argue that those earning at the higher end should lose their self-employed status and face higher taxes. A smaller segment, 11%, believes the proposed increase still falls short and calls for an even higher threshold.
Interest is uneven across the population: 15% have not considered the threshold’s fit for their own circumstances since they do not receive such sums regularly. Another 13% feel the limit is insufficient, while 10% agree that the ceiling should rise because their own income edges toward the top boundary.
Awareness of the initiative to raise the professional activity tax threshold is varied. A large majority, 72%, had never heard of it before. Twenty percent knew about the proposal but lacked details, and an additional eight percent showed active interest in the topic.
The online survey included 1,200 respondents from all regions of Russia and was conducted in July 2024. The results reflect sentiment across different income levels and regional contexts, offering a snapshot of public opinion on how self-employment earnings should be taxed in the future.
Historically, the issue has seen political attention. In 2023, the State Duma reviewed several bills aimed at doubling the maximum income for the professional income tax—from 2.4 million to 4.8 million rubles—but those projects were rejected. In March 2024, the LDPR faction under Leonid Slutsky proposed an increase by 1 million rubles to 3.4 million rubles as part of its policy agenda. The discussions illustrate the ongoing debate over balancing incentives for self-employed workers with tax revenue goals.
In related discussions, the broader question of benefits and incentives for self-employment remains prominent. For retirees and other groups, the concept of self-employment is sometimes framed around access to earnings, social protections, and the reliability of income streams, underscoring the real-world implications of tax policy on livelihoods. As with many policy questions, public opinion is diverse and often reflects differing views on fairness, government support, and the role of taxation in the modern economy. [Citation: Comparison, socialbites.ca]