In the context of recent legislative changes, significant modifications are made regarding the application of income tax exemption. The new rules cover various aspects, including salary income, the value of subscriptions, and various benefits granted by employers to their employees.  

Below, we will detail the main changes and their implications. 

I. Support for Early Education

Employers can cover the expenses for placing employees’ children in early education units, in accordance with legal provisions and within the limit set by the employer, but not exceeding 1,500 lei/month per child.  

If the employee directly bears these costs, the employer will grant a similar amount, adhering to the same limit and relying on supporting documents provided by the employee. This amount is exclusively granted to a single parent, at a single employer, through the submission of a self-declaration from the parent. In case the employee is active with multiple employers, they are obliged to declare that they do not receive such payments from another employer. 

II. Vouchers

Starting from January 2024, the value of meal vouchers will increase to 40 lei. Additionally, from the same year onward, meal vouchers, gift vouchers, and holiday vouchers will be subject to an additional tax, being taxed with a 10% contribution to social health insurance (CASS). 

III. Subscriptions for sports facilities 

Starting from January 2024, the cost of subscriptions for sports facilities, borne by the employer for its own employees, provided by suppliers whose activities are classified under CAEN codes 9311, 9312, or 9313, has changed from 400 euros to the equivalent in lei of 100 euros annually for each person. 

IV. Pensions

As of January 1, 2024, the contribution rate to the second pension pillar will increase by one percentage point, reaching 4.75%. In parallel, the contribution rate to the first pension pillar, which serves as the basis for determining the public pension, will decrease to 20.25%.