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Romanian Finance Minister Alexandru Nazare announced on August 13 a series of fiscal reforms aimed at increasing tax revenues and improving budgetary discipline, but postponed the publication of the full reform package following criticism over potential loopholes.
Speaking at an online-broadcast press conference, Nazare said that ministries within the ruling coalition will resume negotiations to finalise the second package of reforms by the end of August. The most significant measure targets profit shifting by multinational companies.
A new 16% levy will apply to certain expenses paid to foreign affiliates — management fees, consultancy, loan interest and intellectual property — above 3% of deductible expenses. In 2024, these expenses totalled RON15bn (€3bn). The tax is projected to raise RON 1.7bn-2bn, replacing the 1% minimum income tax for companies with revenues above €50mn.
“We should encourage multinationals to invest in Romania, but when it comes to transfer pricing, they must pay corporate tax here,” Nazare said.
A separate measure will impose a RON25 levy on parcels valued below €150 from extra-EU online platforms such as Temu and Shein, which account for around 225,000 parcels daily. This could bring in RON1.3bn annually. Nazare pledged to work with courier companies to levy the tax on all incoming parcels, including those entering the EU through another country. Analysts warned, however, that platforms could bypass the tax by routing goods through neighbouring countries.
Other proposals include a possible increase in the VAT rate for the hotels, restaurants and catering (HoReCa) sector from 11% to 21%, pending an evaluation requested by the European Commission. The National Agency for Fiscal Administration (ANAF) will face stricter oversight, with new integrity checks for staff and tighter rules for debt restructuring.
The government plans to criminalise the transfer of company ownership when overdue tax debts exist, raise minimum capital for limited liability companies from RON200 to RON8,000, and require all B2C companies to accept both cash and card payments.
The finance ministry will also address the status of 462,000 “inactive taxpayers” owing RON3.5bn, compelling them to either resume activity or enter insolvency proceedings.
“Nearly half of active firms have no bank account. We need greater transparency,” Nazare said.
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