What is done already

Tax

• No new tax examinations will begin until after 1 May 2020. All tax probes that were already started are now suspended until that date.
• No tax examination measures that require personal contact with taxpayers will occur until after 1 May 2020.
• No examinations regarding currency matters will take place until after 1 May 2020.
• The deadline for filing annual tax returns was postponed 31 March 2020.
• The liability to pay all taxes except V.A.T. is deferred for six months for companies from the following sectors:
• Air transportation
• Airport activities
• Trucking
• Culture
• Leisure and entertainment
• Fitness activities and sports
• Travel agencies and other organizations in the field of tourism
• Hotel business
• Catering
• Education and non-governmental educational institutions
• Organization of conferences and exhibitions
• Provision of domestic services to the population.
• The liability to pay social security is deferred for six months for micro-companies.

Non-Tax

Moratorium for bankruptcy for entities of sectors of the economy. Russian courts will not accept bankruptcy petitions filed by the creditors within six months period.

What is scheduled

Tax

• Russia probably will change its income tax treaties with some countries to increase withholding tax for dividends, interest, and royalties up to 15%. If other countries refuse to accept these changes, income tax treaties with these countries will be canceled.
• Russia may begin to charge tax on interest on savings at Russian banks with a balance in excess of ?1 million at the rate of 13%.

Non-Tax

• Russia has limited international flights except for cargo flights.
• All courts are closed until April 30 except for extraordinary cases related to criminal proceedings.
• During the period beginning 30 March 2020 and ending 30 April 2020 all business is shut down except for companies engaged in activity that are essential. Moscow and some other regions have enforced a quarantine.
• COVID-19 may be acknowledged as a force-major for business purposes in Russia. The Chamber of Commerce of Russia issues certificates confirming the existence of a force majeure after evaluating foreign trade contracts. Regional Chambers of Commerce issue certificate for domestic contracts.