Prospective Directions of Personal Income Changes in the Context of Changing Legislation in the Russian Federation

The topic of the study is relevant in light of changes in tax legislation pertaining to the current personal income tax system. From January 1, 2021, the personal income tax rate will change from 13 to 15 percent for incomes exceeding 5 million rubles (applies only to the amount over 5 million), which is basically the first step in the transition from a flat personal income tax rate to a progressive one.

Aim. The presented study proposes and substantiates by calculation a new approach to calculating personal income tax based on a progressive rate.

Materials and methods. This study uses generalization, synthesis, and systematization to analyze the risks and opportunities of the transition from the current personal income tax rate to progressive taxation.

Results. The authors determine that income received by individuals through dividend payments is substantial, while the number of individuals who receive dividends is relatively small, and conclude that income received in the form of dividends can be classified as the so-called “excess income”, which is not defined at the legislative level. Therefore, now it is necessary to introduce and develop a definition of “excess income” in tax legislation and to draw a distinction between the concepts of “dividends” and “remuneration”. It is found by calculation that a relatively small increase in the tax burden on the income of dividend-receiving taxpayers would provide additional funds for the budget system. That said, changes to the system of taxes on personal dividends should be made with allowance for the introduction of a progressive tax rate. The proposal to completely abandon the flat personal income tax rate by introducing fundamental changes to tax rates that would affect almost any category of the population is substantiated. As a result of the proposed progressive tax rate model, budget revenues will increase, tax burden on individuals with the lowest level of income will diminish, and taxes imposed on citizens with income above the minimum level will remain the same.

Conclusions. As a result of the proposed progressive tax rate model, budget revenues will increase, tax burden on individuals with the lowest level of income will diminish, and taxes imposed on the middle class will remain the same.

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