Russia’s Ministry of Industry and Trade has proposed a flat 22% VAT on all foreign goods, including purchases via online marketplaces, effective 1 January 2027. The proposal contrasts with a Ministry of Finance draft that would raise the rate gradually from 5% in 2027 to 20% in 2030. The announcement was made by Minister Anton Alikhanov at the Duma Committee on Industrial Policy on 11 February 2026.
The VATfaqs digest
Global VAT news, delivered Tuesday and Thursday. Free, curated from 50+ official sources, no spam.
No spam · Unsubscribe any time
Meduza · about 1 month ago
Russian e‑commerce industry group APET has called for a gradual introduction of a 22% VAT on imported goods, citing the risk of a 15–25% price shock if imposed immediately. The Finance Ministry proposes a phased rollout of 7% in 2027, 14% in 2028, and 22% in 2029, while the Industry and Trade Ministry supports a full 22% rate from January 1 2027.
AKM · about 1 month ago
Russia's President Vladimir Putin has approved a new experiment allowing importers to defer VAT payments for up to three months from the release of goods. Eligible companies must be registered as authorized economic operators or backbone companies, apply a general taxation regime, and have no arrears or legal proceedings. The decree sets specific eligibility criteria and a 3‑month deferral window.
Meduza · about 1 month ago
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree launching a pilot program that allows importers to defer VAT payments by up to three months, interest‑free. The program applies only to goods imported from outside the Eurasian Economic Union and is available to companies meeting specific eligibility criteria. It will run until June 30, 2027.
The Moscow Times · about 1 month ago
Russia’s State Duma has approved a bill that temporarily exempts self‑employed and small food‑and‑dining businesses from value‑added tax until the end of 2026. The measure rolls back part of a January reform that raised the standard VAT rate to 22% and lowered the income threshold for small businesses. The bill is pending presidential signature and aims to prevent business closures amid wartime economic pressures.
CoinSpot · about 2 months ago
Russia is proposing to exempt crypto exchanges and custodial services from VAT, with the bill expected to be adopted by July 1 2026. The exemption covers digital rights confirming exclusively monetary claims but does not apply to profits, which will still be taxed under standard rules. Ordinary users will face a purchase limit of $3,700 per year and can only buy the largest coins listed by the Central Bank.
CryptoPolitan · about 2 months ago
Russia is drafting a law that will exempt cryptocurrency exchange and custody services from VAT, while subjecting their profits to standard corporate tax. The bill also introduces new personal tax rules for crypto traders, limits retail purchases to $3,700 per year, and requires Russian residents to report foreign‑based crypto wallets to the Federal Tax Service.
Reach finance leaders who read VAT news.
Put your brand alongside trusted tax-tech intelligence across 150+ countries.
Key Takeaways
A flat 22% VAT, effective 1 January 2027.
The draft would raise rates gradually: 5% in 2027, 10% in 2028, 15% in 2029, and 20% from 2030.
It was announced on 11 February 2026 by Minister Anton Alikhanov at the Duma Committee on Industrial Policy.
Primary source
Read the full article at EADailyThis summary was published on VATfaqs.com on 11 February 2026. It relates to VAT developments in Russia. The original source is EADaily.
