HomePage | Contact Us | About Us

Finland Income Taxes and Tax Laws

eTaxJobs - the World's largest tax jobs portal

Last partial update, May 2009

In Finland Taxation of an individual's income is progressive. In other words, the higher the income, the higher the rate of tax payable. In 2009 the income tax rate (national tax) for an individual is between 7%-30.5%. In addition to direct taxation there is also municipal tax in Finland. This tax is payable by an individual on his or her income and it fluctuates between 16% - 21% depending on the municipal authority. Church tax of 1%- 2.25% is also payable.
Reduced rates of tax or exemption are available for certain income earners.
The standard rate of Finland corporate tax in 2009 is 26%.
In general private companies in Finland are characterized by the suffix OY after their names.
Public companies have the suffix OYJ.
For additional info,please see Finland Tax Office www.vero.fi

Finland Income Tax for an Individual

An individual is liable for tax on his income as an employee and on income as a self-employed person.
Tax will be payable on income earned in Finland and overseas by an individual who meets the test of a "permanent resident" of Finland.
A Finnish resident who receives a salary overseas and lives overseas continuously for at least 6 months, is exempt from tax on certain conditions.
A foreign resident who is employed in Finland pays tax only on income earned in Finland.
To be considered a Finnish resident, the taxpayer must be able to show that his or her life is centered in Finland and / or that they have lived in Finland continuously for 6 months.
It is important to point that that in regard to taxable income from outside Finland, a "tax credit" is allowed for tax deducted outside Finland.
In regard to income from a salary, an employer is obligated to deduct the amount of tax demanded each month.
A self-employed person is obliged to make advance payments of income tax that will be offset on submitting an annual return.
The advance payments are determined according to the return for the previous year. In the event of a new business, the advances will be calculated according to the estimate of the owner of the business.
Certain payments are deductible from taxable income as detailed below.
Finland Individual income tax rates (national tax) 2009:

Tax (%)	Tax Base (EUR)
0	1-13,100
7%	13,101-21,700
18%	21,701-35,300
22%	35,301-64,500
30.5%	64,501 And Over

Finland Cpital Gains

In 2009 the rate of tax payable on capital gains is 26% for companies and 28% for individuals.

Under certain terms there is participation exemption for sale of shares .

The sale of an apartment / house that has been used as a main residence for at least two years, is exempt from capital gains tax.

A capital loss may be offset against a capital gain in the current year, or against capital gains in the following years for a maximum of up to three years.

Income from an investment, in respect of a dividend or interest, is taxable at the rate of 28%.

Finland Reporting Dates abd Payment

The tax year in Finland ends on December 31st.
Advance payments of tax are made on the following basis.

An individual whose only income is from a salary is not obligated to file an annual tax return.
    The employer deducts tax from the employee and transfers the payment immediately to the tax authorities on a monthly basis.
    A self-employed individual is obligated to make 12 monthly advance payments of tax.
    A self-employed individual is obligated to file a return before the end of March.
A limited company is obligated to submit financial reports before April 30 after the end of the tax year.
    During the year, the company is obligated to make 12 monthly advance payments of tax.
    Within 10 months of the end of the tax year, that is before October 30, the amount of tax payable / the tax refund is final.
    After receipt of the assessment, it is possible to appeal to an "Assessment Adjustment Committee" if need be.
    This body has regional divisions in a number of geographical areas.
    A further appeal may be made against a decision of this body to the "Administrative Court" within 5 years of the year in respect of which the assessment was made.
    An appeal may be made to the Supreme Court against a decision of this Court.

Finland Deduction of Tax at Source

Finland Taxation of Employees

As regards employed persons, the employer is obligated to deduct tax at source from an employee and to make additional contributions to social security.
Social Security

An employed person - The employer's contribution is 16.8%% of the salary for pension, and 2.8%- 5.9% for social security. The employee's contribution is usually 1.98% for sickness insurance and 4.5%-5.6% for pension and unemployment insurance.

Finland Other deductions

Deductions must be made from the following payments to non-residents according to this table:

	%
Dividend	28
Royalties	28
Interest	0

Comments:
Deduction at source in the case of a dividend and royalties paid to a foreign resident is subject to the Double Taxation Prevention Treaty.

Go Back

Finland Homepage | Security Policy | Terms of Service