Winter leaves behind a festive mood and sums up the past year, while January opens up new opportunities and challenges for business. 2026 begins with important decisions and changes in legislation, so we have prepared a selection of the main news and events that will affect not only the working rhythm of this month, but also the whole year.
1. Hungary updates tax rules from 2026
The Hungarian government has adopted a tax reform package for 2026. Key changes for businesses:
-Green technologies and environmental projects: up to 35% of expenses outside Budapest, up to 100% for environmental damage remediation.
-R&D incentives: up to 100% for fundamental research, 50% for applied research, 25% for experimental development.
-VAT: exemption threshold increased from HUF 20 million (2026) to HUF 24 million (2028+); VAT rate on beef reduced from 27% to 5%.
-Micro-enterprises: balance up to HUF 180 million, revenue up to HUF 360 million for simplified reporting.
-Accounting: retrospective adjustments allowed under the “extended hand” principle.
The new rules will apply from 2026.
2. The State Tax Service of Ukraine launches digital service “TAX Control”
The State Tax Service (STS) is launching the digital service “TAX Control”, a tool for detecting violations in trade, services, or the catering sector.
Users can report, in particular:
-failure to issue a fiscal receipt;
-trading without a license or violating excise product sales rules;
-refusal to accept a bank card;
-operating without state registration;
-use of undeclared labor.
3. Poland without a Crypto Law?
On December 1, the President of Poland vetoed the cryptocurrency law that was meant to align national regulation with the European MiCA framework. As a result, Poland currently remains the only EU country without its own legislation for the crypto market.
The bill aimed to place the market under the supervision of the Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF) and to help mitigate external risks, particularly from Russia and Belarus.
On December 18, the Sejm reconsidered an updated version of the bill, intended to align with MiCA by July 2026. However, the issue of final regulation of the cryptocurrency market remains unresolved.
4. UKIPO fees to increase from April 2026!
The UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) plans to raise fees for patents, trademarks, and designs starting April 1, 2026 (subject to parliamentary approval).
Why the increase? Patent fees have not changed since 2018, design fees since 2016, and trademark fees since 1998. During this period, UKIPO has optimized operations and invested in digital services, but a 32% inflation rise since 2016 and other costs can no longer be covered by reserves and efficiency alone.
The average increase will be around 25%:
-Patent search fees will rise from £150 to £200,
-Trademark application fees will rise from £170 to £205.
The new fees will take effect from April 1, 2026, but current charges remain in force until then.
5. Tax сhanges in Cyprus from 2026
On December 22, the Parliament officially approved a tax reform. Starting in 2026, Cyprus will adopt a flat corporate tax rate of 15% in line with the OECD’s international initiative (Pillar Two).
-VAT for businesses: standard rate 19%, reduced rates 9% for hotels, catering, and transport; 5% for food, pharmaceuticals, books, and medical services.
-From January 2026, the conditional distribution of dividends will be abolished, and the Special Defence Contribution (SDC) will be partially reduced, simplifying tax planning for companies and shareholders.
-The reform also introduces an 8% tax on cryptocurrency profits and strengthens controls on payments to low-tax and sanctioned jurisdictions (WHT), setting separate rates for the EU blacklist (BLJ) and low-tax jurisdictions (LTJ).
These changes make Cyprus’s tax system more transparent and aligned with international standards.
6.Legal сrypto market in Ukraine?
From January 1, 2026, two key laws will come into force in Ukraine regulating the cryptoasset market: Draft Law No. 10225-d amending the Tax Code and other legislation on virtual asset circulation, followed by the Law “On Virtual Assets.”
This means the Ukrainian crypto market will become regulated, and cryptoassets will be legal. Key tax changes under the draft law:
-For individuals: 18% tax + 5% military levy on crypto profits (first year - preferential 5% rate when converting to fiat).
-Crypto service providers must register and submit annual reports.
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