Dialogos

Hasty Tax Reform in Cyprus Requires Immediate Corrections

Published January 27, 2026, 06:00
Hasty Tax Reform in Cyprus Requires Immediate Corrections

Following the enactment of the new tax reform in Cyprus, issues and ambiguities are emerging in its implementation. The Tax Commissioner, Sotiris Markidis, requested changes to the legislation during the discussion in the Finance Committee, acknowledging shortcomings. Despite the increase in the tax-free threshold and more favorable tax brackets expected to benefit taxpayers, gaps were identified in specific cases, such as housing renovation loans and green investments. Furthermore, the treatment of electric vehicles regarding tax deductions remains unclear, and the requirement to pay rent via bank transfer without a penalty for non-compliance was deemed another sign of haste. A significant problem is the calculation of family income, as all children are counted regardless of their place of residence, and non-taxable amounts are included. There are differences in the treatment of single-parent families and divorced parents, with varying income limits and deduction rights. Also, the income limit for single individuals remained stable at €40,000, while for families it increased to €100,000. The overall picture is that the reform was passed without sufficient study and provisions, necessitating immediate corrections from Parliament and the Ministry of Finance. Criticism focuses on the lack of thorough preparation and the need for comprehensive and functional legislation.