Krasnodar, 15 January – Yug Times. Every year, all Russian citizens have to get accustomed to higher prices and read carefully newly adopted laws. The year 2019 is not an exception – but it will be a special year because of the increased VAT rate (from 18 up to 20%).
Last time, VAT was changed fifteen years ago – then it was established at the level of 18%. Over the preceding twelve years, it had only been reduced but never increased. The 2% rise in the tax rate will affect the people’s personal income. Prices for all final products and services are expected to go up by at least 3%, so that the announced increase of the minimum monthly wage by 117 roubles up to 11,280 roubles will not be able to cover the expenses.
Although there exists a list of goods and services that benefit from the zero rate of VAT: essential commodities, children’s goods, medical supplies, and air tickets to Crimea and Far East, even these goods and services will become more expensive. Their production or transportation is subject to VAT, which will make their cost price higher. So the selling price of such products as sugar, bread, eggs, milk or meat will go up by 3 to 5% on the average.
Housing tariffs will be raised twice in Russia this year: in January – by 1.7%, and in July – by further 2.4% (in total the yearly rise will amount to 4.1%). However, there is some good news too: the unemployment relief will be raised for the first time over the past ten years: its minimum rate will go up from 890 to 1,500 roubles a month, and the maximum rate – from 4,900 to 8,000 roubles.
The unemployment rate for the pre-retirees will also go up and equal the minimum monthly wage (i.e. 11,280 roubles). This is how the Government wants to protect women aged 55+ and men aged 60+, to facilitate the shift to a higher pensionable age.
Tax laws have also been changed. The loudest change was introduction of the tax on self-employed citizens. It is to be imposed on physical persons who get gains from their professional activity without being officially employed. The list includes such professions as babysitters, private coaches, fitness instructors, etc.
Follow our news on Facebook
За всеми важными новостями следите в MAX, Telegram, во «ВКонтакте», «Одноклассниках», YouTube и на Rutube
