The IMF has granted Ukraine more time regarding taxes on parcels
The International Monetary Fund has agreed to give Ukraine more time to pass a law on the taxation of international parcels. This decision effectively removes the risks to receiving the next IMF tranche of $686 million.
Ukraine was able to reach an agreement with the International Monetary Fund to postpone one of the most sensitive tax decisions concerning international parcels, and this directly affects the country’s financing. Now, the issue that could have become a stumbling block for receiving the funds has been postponed until the end of July 2026, which eases tensions surrounding the new $686 million IMF tranche.
This refers to a bill that would eliminate the duty-free limit of up to 150 euros on parcels from abroad. This document was one of the structural pillars of the cooperation program with the Fund—that is, a condition without which further funding could have been called into question. Initially, it was planned to be adopted much earlier, but parliament was unable to muster sufficient support, and the process stalled.
During negotiations in Kyiv, the Ukrainian side convinced its IMF partners that such a decision required more time, consultation, and political consensus. According to sources, until recently the Fund’s position was tougher and left no room for postponement; however, in the end, they took into account the complexity of the domestic situation and agreed to a delay.
At the same time, the IMF made it clear that this is not an indefinite pause. A new deadline has been set for the next review of the cooperation program, expected in late August, and by that time Ukraine must find a political compromise and pass the law.
Separately, the parties discussed other tax initiatives. In particular, they discussed a possible increase in the corporate income tax rate for banks to 50 percent in 2026. The IMF does not categorically oppose this, but warns of risks to lending to the economy. In the near future, parliament may also revisit the issue of taxing income from digital platforms.
In effect, Ukraine has been granted additional time to finalize a complex tax decision without losing funding. And although the risks have been postponed, the parcel tax law itself remains one of the key elements in further cooperation with the IMF.
The Verkhovna Rada rejected Bill No. 12360, which provided, in particular, for the introduction of taxation on international parcels valued at up to 150 euros.
As a reminder, sole proprietors who losttheir businesses due to the war can apply for compensation.
Small businesses in Ukraine are facing serious difficulties due to Russia’s frequent attacks on energy infrastructure, which cause prolonged outages of electricity, water, and heat during the winter season at temperatures of −20 °C.
