Breaking news

Tax Department Unveils Advanced Income Tax Calculator Ahead Of 2026 Reforms

The Tax Department has introduced an innovative “Income Tax Calculator” as part of the sweeping fiscal reform scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026. This intuitive tool is designed to empower taxpayers by providing a clear preview of their income tax liabilities under the new regime.

Tool Overview and Purpose

Positioned within a comprehensive suite of guides and informational resources, the calculator is a logical extension of the tax reform announcement publicized on January 9, 2026. It facilitates a detailed simulation by allowing users to input various income categories alongside relevant deductions, exemptions, and credits.

Functional Capabilities and Features

The calculator is purpose-built for educational and guiding functions, enabling users to estimate their income tax liability based on individual circumstances. Key functionalities include:

  • Computation of the applicable income tax under the pre-reform system,
  • Calculation of the revised tax liability according to the new rules effective from 2026,
  • Analysis of the tax benefit derived from comparing both systems.

This dual-perspective approach aids taxpayers, whether single individuals, families, or single-parent households, in understanding the effects of the impending tax adjustments.

Data Security and Compliance

Maintaining strict adherence to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Tax Department assures users that the tool operates solely as a local simulation platform. No personal data is stored, transmitted, or processed, ensuring user privacy while delivering precise calculations.

Implications for Taxpayers

By providing an accessible digital resource, the Tax Department is taking proactive steps to educate its constituents on complex fiscal policies. This initiative mirrors best practices observed in global regulatory environments where transparency and user empowerment are critical for public trust and compliance. Business leaders and individual taxpayers alike can leverage this tool for planning as the new legislative framework comes into force.

In summary, the introduction of this advanced calculator underscores a strategic move toward enhancing fiscal transparency and taxpayer engagement as Cyprus adapts to its revised tax structure.

Bank of Cyprus Upgrade Signals Fresh Optimism For Greek And Cypriot Banks

Regional Banks Enter A More Favorable Cycle

Bank of Cyprus and Eurobank are well positioned to benefit from a renewed re-rating of Greek and Cypriot bank stocks, according to Cyprus-based investment firm Roemer Capital, which upgraded Bank of Cyprus to a buy rating and reaffirmed its positive view on Eurobank.

The firm cited easing geopolitical tensions, resilient economic growth in Greece and Cyprus, lower funding costs and Greece’s expected transition to developed-market status as the main factors supporting the sector.

Roemer Capital also lowered its cost of equity assumptions, updated its forecasts following first-quarter 2026 results and extended its valuation horizon to the end of 2027, raising target prices across its banking coverage.

Bank Of Cyprus Gets The Largest Upgrade

Bank of Cyprus received the biggest revision, with Roemer Capital upgrading the stock from hold to buy and setting a target price of €11.10, implying potential total upside of 27%.

The firm highlighted the bank’s strong capital generation, profitability and projected 100% dividend payout, describing it as the strongest capital-return story among the banks under coverage. Roemer Capital maintained its buy rating on Eurobank, assigning a target price of €4.90 and forecasting potential upside of 28%. The report said the bank is well placed to benefit from loan growth, improving operating performance and merger-and-acquisition synergies.

National Bank of Greece and Piraeus Bank also retained buy ratings, with expected returns ranging from 25% to 36%. Optima Bank was upgraded to buy, while Alpha Bank remained at hold on valuation grounds.

Why Growth Still Sets The Region Apart

According to Roemer Capital, Greek and Cypriot banks continue to benefit from stronger economic fundamentals than many western European peers. The report pointed to faster economic growth, healthier balance sheets, low levels of non-performing exposures, capital ratios approaching 20% and strong customer deposit bases.

Analysts expect performing loans across the sector to grow at a compound annual rate of 6% to 8% through 2028, supported by private investment, digitalisation, green manufacturing, supply-chain expansion and a gradual recovery in household lending.

The report also said the conclusion of lending under the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility is unlikely to materially affect credit growth, as banks have already shifted back towards traditional commercial lending. Roemer Capital expects Euribor to remain between 2.2% and 2.5%, a level it believes should support both lending activity and net interest margins.

Geopolitics, Valuation And Market Structure Support The Case

The report said improving geopolitical conditions have strengthened the investment outlook, noting that Brent crude prices have largely returned to pre-war levels while Greek government bond yields have stabilised at around 3.5%. Although geopolitical risks remain, Roemer Capital believes the likelihood of a major inflationary shock or significant pressure on bank profitability has eased.

Another important catalyst identified by the firm is Greece’s expected promotion to developed-market status by FTSE Russell, STOXX and MSCI over the coming months.

According to the report, the reclassification should improve liquidity and attract a broader base of international investors. Roemer Capital also said Euronext’s acquisition of the Athens Exchange is expected to strengthen market infrastructure and increase international visibility, particularly for Bank of Cyprus and Optima Bank.

The firm noted that Bank of Cyprus has already benefited from its Athens listing, with average daily trading value increasing from less than €400,000 before its September 2024 move to nearly €6 million afterwards.

Economic Momentum Remains A Core Tailwind

Roemer Capital said both Greece and Cyprus have moved beyond post-crisis recovery and are now supported by private-sector-led growth. For Cyprus, the report highlighted recent tax reform and efforts to simplify the legal and regulatory framework, while also noting that limited foreign banking competition continues to support domestic lenders.

Overall, Roemer Capital expects Greek and Cypriot banks to remain well-positioned for profitable loan growth over the coming years.

eCredo
Aretilaw firm
The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties
Uol

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter