Social Tax Not Likely to Drop

By The Moscow Times

May 23, 2011

The social tax, which was raised to 34 percent of gross salary at the beginning of this year, is likely to stay at that rate, sources have said, despite widespread discontent from businesses.

Friday was the deadline given to the Economic Development Ministry, the Finance Ministry and the Health and Social Development Ministry to propose a reduction of the tax.

First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov held a meeting on the subject Friday, according to two ministry sources, at which it was said the rate might be reduced next year to 16 to 18 percent only for small businesses not involved in trade.

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