Hungary introduces new surtax on energy suppliers amid utility price freeze

On 3 February 2026, the Hungarian government published Government Decree 12/2026 (II. 3.) on the January utility price freeze (the “Decree”) in the Hungarian Gazette. The Decree sets out the framework for providing heating subsidies in response to the unusually cold weather experienced in January. These subsidies will be financed through a newly introduced one‑off surtax imposed on entities that are subject to the special tax on energy suppliers (commonly referred to as the “Robin Hood tax”) as of the first day of the tax year commencing in 2026.

Importantly, the Decree stipulates that entities that are subject to the Robin Hood tax solely by virtue of holding a distribution licence will not be required to pay the new surtax.

The tax base for the one‑off surtax is defined as the revenue from activities subject to the Robin Hood tax, as reported in the taxpayer’s 2024 annual financial statements.

The rate of the surtax is set at 0.5% with the surtax payable capped at 50% of the taxpayer’s RHT base for the 2024 tax year.

The surtax has to be declared and paid by the last day of the third month of the tax year that begins in 2026. For taxpayers whose tax year aligns with the calendar year, the surtax must be declared and paid by 31 March 2026.

For further information on the newly introduced special tax and for any related tax or legal advisory services, contact the Wolf Theiss Energy and Tax Practice Groups.