The Romanian dividend taxation rules have evolved over the years. Continuing from 2023, the dividend tax rate continues to remain at 8%, in spite of many proposals of government officials for its increase. This rate is a key component of the Romanian Tax Code and reflects the current Romanian government’s tax policies.
In this article, we delve into the specifics of how dividend income is taxed in Romania for 2024. Both companies and individual shareholders need to be aware of their respective tax reporting responsibilities. Let’s break down what you need to know.
According to the Romanian companies law (Law no. 31/1990), dividends are defined as a share of a company’s profits distributed to its shareholders. This applies to both limited liability companies and joint stock companies. Profitability is a prerequisite for dividend distribution, but the final decision rests with the company’s management. Especially smaller, growing companies may prioritize reinvesting profits over dividend payouts.
Individual shareholders must account for dividends as taxable income. For dividends distributed by Romanian companies to their shareholders, the responsibility for withholding and remitting the 8% income tax lies with the dividend-paying company. The deadline for declaring and paying this tax is by the 25th of the month following the one when the dividends are paid.
For dividends distributed by foreign companies to individual shareholders that are Romanian tax residents, the obligation for tax reporting stays with each individual. The reporting obligation must be fulfilled through submitting the annual tax return, until 25th of May of the year following the one when the dividends were received.
A 10% health insurance contribution is also applicable (in addition to the income tax) to individuals that generate dividend income. However, the health insurance contribution only applies if their total annual non-salary income exceeds a certain threshold.
For year 2024 income, this minimum income is set at the level of 6 minimum gross national salaries (which is in force at the annual tax return deadline – i.e., 25 of May). As the minimum gross national salary is 3,300 RON, then the threshold is 6 x 3,300 RON, meaning 19,800 RON.
Thus, if the total annual income equals this threshold, then the health insurance contribution of 10% is due, but calculated on one of the 3 following thresholds, based on the minimum gross salary of 3,300 RON:
Thus, according to Romanian dividend taxation rules for 2024, the health insurance contribution is calculated based on one of these capped amounts, depending on which threshold is reached.
Individuals are required to file an annual tax return for both their income from the previous year and estimated income for the current year. This includes declaring any dividend income and associated taxes.
For year 2024 income, the annual tax return filing deadline will be on 25 May 2025, while for year 2023 income, this is on 25 May 2024.
Through the same annual tax return an individual must also declare the estimated income to be derived from Romanian sources to be realized during the current year (if the case). If one estimates that he/she will be deriving income subject to taxation during that year, taxes will be due in advance for certain types of income.
Dividends received from foreign sources are subject to the same taxation principles (8% income tax and CASS). The key differences involve applying correctly the double taxation treaties, and correctly declaring the income through the annual tax return.
As per the applicable law, dividends can be distributed in cash, shares, or occasionally, goods. The decision to distribute dividends is at the discretion of the company’s board or general meeting. Romanian companies have the option to pay dividends quarterly since a legal amendment was introduced back in 2018.
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