Social tax in Estonia

Social tax in Estonia is a mandatory payment that is levied on the gross salaries and wages of employees. It is a tax that is imposed on the employer, who is responsible for deducting and paying it to the government. The tax is used to finance Estonia's social welfare system, including health insurance, unemployment insurance, and pensions.

The current rate of social tax in Estonia is 33% of the gross salary or wage paid to an employee. The employer pays 20% of the tax, while the employee is responsible for paying the remaining 13%. However, the total tax rate paid by the employee and the employer can vary depending on the level of taxable income.

The social tax is calculated and paid on a monthly basis. The employer must report the total amount of social tax withheld from employees' salaries and wages and pay it to the Estonian Tax and Customs Board by the 10th day of the following month.

Employers in Estonia are also required to make contributions to the unemployment insurance fund, which is calculated as a percentage of the employee's gross salary or wage. The current rate of unemployment insurance is 1.6%, with the employer responsible for paying 0.8% and the employee paying the remaining 0.8%.

In addition to the social tax and unemployment insurance contributions, employers in Estonia are also required to pay into the mandatory pension system. The current rate of pension contribution is 20% of the employee's gross salary or wage, with the employer paying 13% and the employee paying 7%.

It is important for employers in Estonia to ensure that they comply with all social tax regulations to avoid penalties and fines. They should also keep accurate records of all social tax payments made on behalf of their employees.