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Comprehensive Guide To 2026 Tax Reform And Income Tax Deductions

The Tax Directorate has unveiled a comprehensive guide detailing the 2026 Tax Reform, income tax provisions, and entitlements to tax deductions. Published on Friday, the guide is available on the official website of the Tax Directorate under a dedicated section for Tax Reform 2026. Access the information directly via the Tax Reform 2026 page on the Ministry of Finance website at www.mof.gov.cy/tax.

Key Elements Of The Guide

The publication offers detailed insights and resources, including:

  • An editable PDF version of the Tax Deductions Claim Form (Τ.Φ.59) for the 2026 fiscal year;
  • An explanatory manual outlining the application of the tax reform for individual taxpayers residing in Cyprus starting from 2026;
  • A section featuring Frequently Asked Questions and corresponding answers, with updates to be provided as needed;
  • Practical examples demonstrating the application of the tax reform for individual taxpayers, with additional scenarios to be added over time.

Expert Insight And Upcoming Tools

Tax Officer Sotiris Markidis, in an interview with the publication “F,” underscored the guide’s role in helping taxpayers navigate the new legal framework set to take effect on January 1. Mr. Markidis also announced the imminent launch of an Income Tax Calculation Tool. This innovative tool will allow users to enter their income across various categories as well as applicable deductions (including allowances and exemptions). Based on one’s personal status—whether single, part of a family, or a single-parent household—the tool will display the income tax amounts before and after the reform, clearly highlighting the tax benefits inherited from the new structure.

Action Required From Employers

Markidis advised employers, particularly those whose employees are impacted by the revised tax policies and new personal deductions, to review the manual, FAQs, and provided examples carefully. He recommended that they complete the Tax Deductions Claim Form (Τ.Φ.59) for the 2026 fiscal year at the earliest opportunity and deliver it to their employers to ensure the prompt implementation of the updated income tax withholding parameters.

Societe Generale Bank Cyprus Introduces Four-Day Workweek Under New Labour Agreement

The Societe Generale Bank – Cyprus has introduced a four-day workweek for employees during July and August under a renewed collective agreement with the banking union ETYK.

Setting A New Standard For Banking Institutions

Societe Generale Bank Cyprus employs around 100 staff members. The new agreement introduces a reduced working schedule during the summer months as part of the collective contract for 2023–2027.

ETYK supported the introduction of the four-day schedule during negotiations for the agreement. Other financial institutions, including Bank of Cyprus, Eurobank Ltd, Alpha Bank, National Bank of Greece (Cyprus), the Housing Finance Organization, the Bankers Association representing personnel, KEIDIPES and several insurance subsidiaries, signed separate agreements with ETYK that do not include a four-day workweek.

Key Provisions And Broader Implications

The collective agreement introduces a four-day workweek during July and August. Employees will work their regular daily hours across four days on a rotational basis while banking services continue throughout the week.

Additional provisions in the agreement include several benefits for employees. Staff will receive a one-time bonus of €1,500 upon signing the contract, a three-day increase in annual leave, adjustments to salary scales and higher contractual loan limits.

Comparative Analysis With Industry Peers

The agreement differs from arrangements negotiated between ETYK and the Banking Employers Association. Under those agreements, employees received an additional six days of annual leave. The Societe Generale Bank Cyprus agreement provides a three-day increase, bringing total annual leave to 36 days, excluding public holidays.

The bonus structure also differs. Agreements with the Banking Employers Association include a total bonus of €4,500 paid in three installments in 2025, 2026 and 2027. Societe Generale employees receive a single payment of €1,500.

Looking Forward

ETYK said the introduction of a four-day workweek during the summer months reflects discussions about working conditions in the banking sector. The arrangement may contribute to broader discussions about work schedules and employee benefits within the financial industry in Cyprus.

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