Estonia taxes distributed profit rather than retained profit. A company pays no corporate income tax on profit kept in the business, and pays tax only when it distributes profit, at a 22/78 rate on the distribution in 2026. The standard VAT rate is 24 percent and VAT registration is required once taxable turnover passes EUR 40,000.
- Tax on retained profit
- 0 percent while kept in the company
- Tax on distributed profit
- 22/78 of the distribution in 2026 (22 percent rate)
- Standard VAT
- 24 percent since 1 July 2025
- VAT registration threshold
- EUR 40,000 taxable turnover
General information, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Verify current terms and eligibility with the provider before applying.
How Estonian business tax works
Estonia is known for taxing distributed profit rather than profit as it is earned. A company that reinvests or retains its profit pays no corporate income tax on it. Tax falls due only when the company distributes profit, for example as a dividend. As of 1 March 2026, the distribution is taxed at 22/78 of the amount paid, which is a 22 percent rate on the gross distribution. Parliament voted in December 2025 to cancel a previously announced rise to 24 percent, so the rate stays at 22 percent for distributions made in 2026. This is general information, not tax advice.
Corporate income tax on distributions
The 22/78 calculation means tax is worked out on the gross distribution. If a company pays EUR 78,000 to shareholders, it owes about EUR 22,000 in tax, for a total outflow of about EUR 100,000. Because retained profit is untaxed, the timing of distributions matters for cash flow. Confirm your figures with the tax authority or a qualified adviser.
VAT and registration
The standard VAT rate is 24 percent, in force since 1 July 2025. A company must register for VAT once its taxable turnover passes EUR 40,000 in a calendar year, and registration is due within a few working days of crossing the threshold. Reduced rates apply to certain goods and services. Confirm the current rates and rules with the Estonian Tax and Customs Board.
Where banking meets compliance
As of 1 March 2026, your bank account and your tax position are separate but connected. Verify with the tax authority or a qualified adviser
- Your business account records the payments that feed VAT returns and profit calculations, so clean records help filing.
- Tax and payroll payments are made from the account, so keep those payment details current when you switch provider.
- Choosing a bank or fintech does not change your tax position, which depends on Estonian tax rules and your activity.
How to stay on top of compliance
- Track whether your taxable turnover is approaching the EUR 40,000 VAT registration threshold.
- Plan distributions with the 22/78 distribution tax in mind, since retained profit is untaxed.
- Confirm current rates, thresholds and filing duties with the Estonian Tax and Customs Board or a qualified adviser.
Compare business accounts available in Estonia
These providers accept business customers in Estonia. Fees and eligibility shown as of 1 March 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.
Compare business accounts →Questions about tax and compliance in Estonia
How is company profit taxed in Estonia?
What is the VAT rate and threshold in Estonia?
Did the Estonian corporate tax rate rise to 24 percent?
Does my choice of bank affect my tax in Estonia?
Features, fees, and eligibility change and vary by region. This page was last reviewed on 1 March 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.