The Ministry of Finance of Ukraine on March 19 published a new tax bill, which should become a key condition for continued cooperation with the International Monetary Fund. The document provides for a number of changes that will directly affect both businesses and ordinary citizens, and is expected to be approved by the Verkhovna Rada by the end of March.
This concerns the implementation of four key requirements enshrined in the memorandum with the IMF. In particular, it is proposed to introduce automatic taxation of income received through digital platforms. A preferential rate of 5% is provided for such income, and the tax-free minimum will be 2,000 euros per year. If this amount is exceeded, tax will be levied only on the difference. At the same time, only those who meet a number of conditions will be able to take advantage of the preferential regime - in particular, they will not have employees and will open a separate account for such income. The idea has already been supported by major market players, including taxi and delivery services.
The second important point is the continuation of the military levy at the level of 5% for individuals. It is planned to maintain it until the completion of the reform of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which in fact means the continuation of the tax burden on citizens for an indefinite period.
The third change concerns the introduction of VAT on goods purchased on foreign marketplaces. According to the new rules, the tax must be included in the price of the goods and paid by the platforms themselves. At the same time, an exception is provided: parcels worth up to 45 euros, if they are sent by individuals without a commercial purpose, will not be taxed.
Another significant innovation is the mandatory payment of VAT for individual entrepreneurs on the simplified taxation system with an annual income of over UAH 4 million. This norm is to come into effect from January 1, 2027, which gives businesses some time to adapt.
The adoption of the bill is of critical importance for the country's financial stability. It is on it that the receipt of the second tranche from the IMF, which is expected in June 2026, depends. The authorities openly admit that there is currently no alternative to cooperation with the fund. As explained by the head of the parliamentary tax committee, Danylo Hetmantsev, the IMF acts as a kind of financial "anchor" on which support from other international partners depends.
The situation is also complicated by the external context. In particular, the blocking of loan assistance from the European Union by Hungary and Slovakia, as well as geopolitical factors related to the Middle East, create additional risks for the Ukrainian economy.
The Verkhovna Rada is expected to consider the bill next week. If it is passed, the country will be able to maintain macro-financial support, but the price will be new tax rules that will be felt by both entrepreneurs and ordinary Ukrainians.
