New Taxes in 2026: Major Impact on Seniors and Pensioners

Starting 1 January 2026, Romania is preparing to implement a series of tax increases that will significantly affect the purchasing power of citizens, including seniors and pensioners.

Impact on property

One of the most visible changes will be a 70% increase in property tax. To illustrate, owners of a three-room flat in Bucharest will pay 355 RON in 2026, compared with 198 RON in 2025. This rise will particularly affect seniors who own property and live on fixed pension incomes.

New tax obligations for pensioners

A measure that will directly affect seniors with higher incomes is the introduction of a 10% CASS (health insurance contribution) on pensions exceeding 3,000 RON. This levy will also apply to special categories such as mothers and war veterans, reducing their net income.

Increases at the level of consumption

VAT will see significant rises, with the standard rate reaching 21% and the reduced rate 11%. These changes will push up the cost of everyday consumer goods, directly affecting pensioners' limited budgets.

Freezing of pensions and wages

Government plans include freezing pensions and salaries, meaning that seniors' incomes will not be adjusted for inflation — thereby further eroding their purchasing power in the context of the broader tax increases.

Other fiscal measures

The package of measures also includes a 16% tax on bank accounts holding over 100 euros, an increase in dividend tax from 10% to 16%, and a flat fee of 25 RON on parcels from outside the EU valued under 150 euros — a measure that will affect seniors' online purchases.