Property Tax In Estonia

Estonia has a simple tax system regarding real estate and taxes are relatively low. Property tax is levied by the local government on the assessed value of all land and is generally referred to as Land Tax. This is the only recurring tax levied on property.

In relation to a property purchase/sale, expect the following in Estonia:

Notary Fee

The notary fee depends entirely on the value of the transaction. It is based on a table of fixed fees and payable when signing the deed.

Below a few samples for some transactions, the full updated list of notary fees can be found at Notar.ee.

VAT is added to the notary fee

State Fee

Upon transfer of the property the State Fee (stamp duty) has to be paid within 24 hours through a commercial bank.

The notary will supply information on the sum to be paid and the reference to be mentioned with the payment.

As with the notary’s fee, the state fee is also based on a table of fixed fees and regulated by law, the articles and table can be viewed here at Riigiteataja.ee (in Estonian local currency only).

Below a few samples of the State fees charged.

Value Added Tax

VAT is always deemed to be inclusive of the price mentioned in the agreement of an improved property.

A company selling an improved property would have to pay VAT.

A private person selling an improved property person would not pay VAT, but might have to pay income tax.

VAT is currently 18% (June 2008).

Income Tax

Income tax at a rate of 21% (June 2008) would have to be paid over the amount of net profit in the case of the sale of an improved property, unless it is the registered address of the owner (in principle it is possible to be registered at multiple addresses).

Land Tax

Land tax is charged by the local government; it can differ between municipalities and varies from 0.1 to 2.5% of the assessed value of the land (not on buildings or other improvements) depending on the use of the land.

Residential land is at present charged at 1% land tax (June 2008).

This tax is charged annually and payments can be spread over three (fixed) installments.

Example 1

An unimproved residential plot of land measuring 1500 m² just outside the Tallinn City border near the airport would cost the owner € 25,90 per year in Land tax.

Example 2

An improved residential plot of land measuring 1825 m² just outside the Tallinn City border on the popular Viimsi Peninsula would cost the owner € 189,60 per year in Land tax.

All Taxes

The Estonian tax system consists of national taxes and local taxes collected by local governments in each jurisdiction.

National taxes include - income tax, social tax, land tax, gambling tax, value-added tax, duty and excise taxes and heavy goods vehicle tax.

Local taxes include - sales tax, boat tax, advertisement tax, tax for the temporary closing of streets, motor vehicle tax, tax on keeping domestic animals, amusement tax, and parking fees.

Other Useful Information

Non-distributed (ie: re-invested) profits are not taxed in Estonia.

Distributed profits (dividends) are taxed as income at a flat rate (21% June 2008).

Estonia is signatory to “double taxation” treaties with many countries. Check in the country of your origin if such a treaty is in place.

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