A radio interview with Olga Daineko, a specialist at the Financial Literacy Center within the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation, highlighted how Russia’s tax payment process has evolved. Daineko explained the shift and provided a clear picture of how taxpayers will handle payments under the new system, which is designed to streamline obligations and improve compliance.
Starting January 1 of the current year, every Russian taxpayer operates under a Single Tax Account, abbreviated as UNT. Daineko described UNT as a digital wallet that interacts with the Federal Tax Service to automatically withdraw funds when taxes, penalties, or fines are due. This system shifts the payer’s role from manual payment planning to a more automated process, where the taxpayer funds the UNT and the service allocates payments as needed to settle liabilities.
Daineko emphasized an essential deadline: the UNT balance should be refreshed before December 1, which marks the cutoff for settling land, property, and vehicle taxes. Payments can be arranged through several channels, including a banking app, the tax payment service within the taxpayer’s personal account on the Federal Tax Service website, the My Documents center, or even a postal order. In practice, the expert noted that taxpayers may opt to transfer the total amount gradually, rather than in a single lump sum, to maintain steady coverage of upcoming charges.
If the UNT holds more funds than necessary, the surplus can be returned. An automated refund request is generated within the taxpayer’s personal account, enabling a straightforward process to reclaim excess money without additional steps.
The expert clarified that UNT funds are primarily directed to overdue payments first. Only after overdue obligations are covered will the system use remaining funds to address current taxes, penalties, and fines. This prioritization helps prevent penalties from accruing further and supports a smoother overall tax management flow for taxpayers.
One notable change is the allocation rule for available UNT balances. If the funds in UNT are insufficient to cover all liabilities when payment dates coincide, the system distributes the available money proportionally across all accruals based on their size. This approach ensures that payments are allocated in a fair, systematic way when resources are limited, even if it means some liabilities receive partial settlement on the due date.
In closing, Daineko recalled that the new tax payment procedure is mandatory for almost everyone, with one exception: self-employed individuals can choose how to settle their professional income tax through a dedicated EPP system or handle it separately. This flexibility reflects the needs of different taxpayer groups while maintaining a unified framework for compliance and transparency across the board.
Additionally, the Ministry of Finance has signaled ongoing incentives for investors purchasing securities issued by Russian high-tech companies, with certain tax advantages valid through 2027. This reminder aligns with broader efforts to support innovation and investment within the national economy. The policy context suggests a continued evolution of tax rules designed to balance revenue needs with incentives that encourage investments in strategic sectors.
Earlier discussions in the State Duma touched on topics related to tax refunds, including potential mechanisms for retirees to reclaim parts of their income tax. These conversations indicate an active parliamentary engagement with tax policy, aiming to refine long-term outcomes for various demographics while maintaining compliance and fiscal responsibility. [citation: Ministry of Finance]