New taxes and increases from 2026: financial burdens change in 100s of Hungarian settlements – is yours among them?

Although most of Hungary’s more than 3,000 municipalities did not introduce new taxes in 2026, significant changes have still taken place nationwide. According to data from the Hungarian State Treasury, 128 settlements introduced a new type of local tax as of 1 January 2026, while a further 475 municipalities increased or modified existing levies. The changes mainly affect the tourism tax, building tax and land tax, but several settlements have also introduced so-called municipal taxes tailored to local circumstances.

Unusual municipal taxes tailored to local issues

Municipal taxes typically reflect local challenges. In Budapest’s 18th district, for example, a so-called “settlement tax” has been introduced: in cases where more than 15 people register their address at the same property, a fee of HUF 150,000 per person must be paid. The aim is to curb mass address registrations, Pénzcentrum reports. (EUR 1 = HUF 385)

In the village of Kárász, structures over 20 metres in height that are not used for residential purposes and do not qualify as buildings are now subject to taxation, with an annual levy of HUF 1 million. In Mindszentgodisa, owners must pay an annual fee of HUF 120,000 per household sewage storage unit, with the exception of modern root-zone treatment systems.

The town of Pilis has introduced a new tax on garden plot properties that were previously exempt from communal taxes. Meanwhile, in Döbörhegy, neglected and poorly maintained buildings and plots are taxed either based on square metres or through a fixed-rate fee. Although these taxes affect relatively few people nationwide, they illustrate the increasingly creative approaches municipalities are taking to local taxation.

Tourism tax reaches near-record levels in several locations

The change most likely to affect residents and travellers alike remains the tourism tax (IFA). In 2026, the rate of the tax was modified in 150 settlements, with 30 municipalities introducing it for the first time. As the maximum rate is linked to inflation, many local governments opted for increases.

Currently, the highest rate of HUF 830 per guest night applies in seven settlements, including Hévíz, Tihany, Sárvár, Tata and Zalakaros. Exemptions remain in place for certain groups, such as those under 18, local employees, and individuals performing specific public duties. The tourism tax cannot be paid using a SZÉP card. A full list of affected settlements is available in Pénzcentrum’s article.

Tourism tax declarations to be simplified

At the end of 2025, the government decided to simplify tourism tax declarations. Under the new system, the National Tourism Data Centre (NTAK) will prepare draft tax declarations, significantly reducing administrative burdens for accommodation providers. The necessary IT developments are expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

Property-related taxes on the rise: building and land taxes

From 2026, building tax rates increased in 123 settlements, while land tax rates changed in 110 locations. Building tax was introduced for the first time in 12 municipalities, while land tax appeared in 23 new places. These taxes are typically calculated on a per-square-metre basis and often differ depending on whether the property is residential, non-residential or an undeveloped plot.

Experts advise residents to check the exact rules applicable in their municipality, as exemptions and discounts can vary significantly from one location to another.

More tax changes on the way

Several settlements have also modified the communal tax on private individuals, as well as the local business tax (HIPA). While the introduction of new taxes is not universal nationwide, it is clear that local public charges will increase in many areas from 2026.