Tightening of the government's crisis measures of 8 October 2020 with effect from 14 October 2020
On 12 October 2020, the Government of the Czech Republic announced new crisis measures, which tightened the ban on mass events, banned the public's presence in the interior of restaurants and catering establishments and restricted the operation of shopping centers. Among other things, the government restricted the functioning of schools (excluding kindergartens) and imposed work duties on students of selected universities and secondary schools. These crisis measures are generally effective from 14 October 2020 to 2 November 2020.
Government bans and exemptions effective from October 12, 2020 with an impact on business
In connection with the deteriorating epidemiological situation of Covid-19, the Government of the Czech Republic issued a set of crisis measures, with effect from 12 October 2020 from 00:00 to 25 October 2020 23:59, concerning in particular the gathering of persons and restrictions and performance of certain business activities.
Re-declaration of a state of emergency and related issues
The Government of the Czech Republic declared a state of emergency on 30 September 2020 with effect from 5 October 2020. At the same time, it has already set specific restrictions. What are these restrictions? Is anyone restricted in their profession? Are general meetings allowed? And what are the sanctions? We have prepared a short overview for you.
Abolition of real estate acquisition tax, exemption from income tax from the sale of real estate after 10 years
On 25 September 2020, Act No. 386/2020 Coll was published in the Collection of Laws, which definitively abolished the tax on the acquisition of real estate. It also includes several changes in the Income Tax Act. The topic has been heavily publicized since the beginning, and political negotiations took place during the legislative process, and the law thus underwent a number of changes compared to the original government proposal. Therefore, we briefly summarize the final form of the adopted fundamental measures.
“Antivirus Programme” – Category A and B extended and Category C accepted - UPDATE June 2020
Category A and B have now been extended until the end of August 2020 and the government has approved a new form of support – Category C!
Waiver of social security contributions - Category C of the "Antivirus" program – June 2020
On 16 June 2020, the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic, after being returned by the Senate, approved a law from the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs ("MLSA") containing another form of targeted support for some smaller employers trying to maintain employment despite the difficult situation. This takes the form of a waiver of social security contributions for employees in employment for the period from June to August 2020. The law was approved in the original version of the government proposal, the Senate's amendments were not adopted. The Act was signed by the President of the Republic on 19 June 2020 and is now awaiting publication in the Collection of Laws.
Subsequent filing of tax returns, employee billing and notification of exempt income
Tax returns for personal and corporate income tax can be filed without a penalty until 18 August 2020. Likewise, the income tax calculated under such returns will be payable until 18 August 2020. However, this option does not apply to entities which report to the Specialized Tax Authority. Natural persons can file a notification of exempt income in excess of CZK 5 million until 18 August 2020. The deadline for filing employment income tax statements was prolonged to 31 May 2020.
Deadline extended for filing real estate acquisition tax returns and paying the tax
The Czech Finance Minister’s decision published in Financial Bulletin 9/2020 provides for postponing the filing of real estate acquisition tax returns (which were otherwise due to be filed on 31 March 2020 or later) and paying the related real estate acquisition tax until 31 December 2020. The reason is that the tax is expected to be abolished retroactively.
Subsequent filing of tax returns, employee billing and notification of exempt income
Tax returns for personal and corporate income tax can be filed without a penalty until 18 August 2020. Likewise, the income tax calculated under such returns will be payable until 18 August 2020. However, this option does not apply to entities which report to the Specialized Tax Authority. Natural persons can file a notification of exempt income in excess of CZK 5 million until 18 August 2020. The deadline for filing employment income tax statements was prolonged to 31 May 2020.