More and more people living in Bucharest earn additional income alongside their salaries, whether from rentals, investments, dividends, online trading, or other independent activities. In 2026, several important fiscal changes came into effect, increasing taxation levels for most categories of income obtained by individuals.

Although tax legislation applies nationally, the reporting obligations and payment rules are relevant for anyone living in or earning income in Bucharest. Here is what you need to know if you generate such income and what taxes you will owe to the state.

How independent income is taxed in 2026

Income from independent activities includes a wide range of sources: rental income, bank interest, dividends, stock market investments, cryptocurrencies, or even gambling winnings. Depending on the income type, the tax may be:

• withheld at source, by the payer (bank, company, broker, etc.);
• declared and paid directly by the beneficiary, through the Single Tax Return submitted to the Romanian tax authority (ANAF).

Regardless of the situation, individuals must check whether their total annual income exceeds certain thresholds, as this triggers the obligation to pay health insurance contributions (CASS).

The Single Tax Return must be submitted by May 25 of the year following the one in which income was earned. Starting in 2026, under Government Ordinance No. 7/2026, taxpayers who submit the declaration on time and pay the tax by April 15 benefit from a 3% tax reduction.

Taxation of rental income

Rental income is one of the most common additional revenue sources in Bucharest.

If the tenant is an individual, the property owner must:

• register the rental contract with ANAF within 30 days;
• declare annual income through the Single Tax Return.

The tax rate is 10%, applied to 80% of total income, as a 20% flat deduction is allowed.

If the tenant is a legal entity (company), the company withholds and pays the tax monthly, while the owner remains responsible only for health insurance contributions.

For short-term rentals (Airbnb, Booking), rules changed in 2026:

• tax is calculated on gross income minus a 30% flat deduction;
• the effective tax becomes approximately 7% of gross income, plus CASS if legal thresholds are exceeded.

Health insurance contribution (CASS) – a common obligation

Regardless of income type, if total annual earnings exceed certain limits, a 10% health insurance contribution must be paid.

The thresholds are calculated based on the national minimum gross salary:

• 6 minimum salaries;
• 12 minimum salaries;
• 24 minimum salaries.

In early 2026, the minimum gross salary is 4,050 RON, increasing to 4,325 RON starting July. Consequently, the CASS calculation base changes during the year.

Taxes on investments and financial income

Bank interest

Interest income is taxed at 16% in 2026 (up from 10% previously). The tax is automatically withheld by the bank, meaning the taxpayer does not need to declare it, but must include it when calculating CASS thresholds.

Dividends

Dividends are also taxed at 16%, with the company distributing them responsible for withholding the tax. The beneficiary must only verify whether health contributions apply.

Stock market transactions

Taxation depends on how long the securities were held:

• 3% tax for assets held longer than one year;
• 6% tax for assets held less than one year.

Financial intermediaries calculate and transfer the tax to the state.

Cryptocurrencies: higher taxation in 2026

Cryptocurrency gains are taxed at 16% applied to net profit, meaning the positive difference between the selling price and acquisition cost.

Annual gains below 600 RON remain tax-exempt. Otherwise, individuals must:

• submit the Single Tax Return;
• pay income tax and, where applicable, health insurance contributions.

Gambling income taxation

Winnings from lotteries, casinos, or online gambling platforms are taxed automatically at source according to the Romanian Fiscal Code. Earnings below 600 RON per year remain non-taxable.

For higher amounts, taxpayers must verify whether they owe health insurance contributions.

What happens with unidentified income

Tax authorities may verify the origin of funds entering bank accounts. If income cannot be justified, it may be taxed at rates of up to 70%, according to fiscal legislation.

To avoid issues, taxpayers can request an income certificate through the Private Virtual Space (SPV) platform to see what income has already been reported to ANAF.

What you should remember if you earn independent income in Bucharest

For most income types, tax is withheld automatically by the payer, but final responsibility remains with the taxpayer. The main obligation is verifying total annual income and paying health insurance contributions if legal thresholds are exceeded.

In a city like Bucharest, where real estate investments, freelancing, and financial market income are increasingly common, understanding fiscal rules is essential to avoid penalties and manage personal income correctly.

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