Hungarians stand by the current family-centred tax system – Two-thirds oppose the proposed tax increases of Tisza
The overwhelming majority of Hungarians are satisfied with the current family-centred tax system, the low personal income tax rate and the child-related tax allowances, and do not want these to be changed – according to the latest research by the Mária Kopp Institute for Demography and Families (KINCS). The findings show that two-thirds of Hungarians would oppose tax increases: they reject applying a personal income tax rate higher than the current 15% to the average wage, and seven out of ten believe that the tax system should continue to reflect the number of children in the family in a beneficial way.
In its representative survey of 1,000 adults conducted in September 2025, KINCS examined public attitudes towards taxation. The survey was prompted by the leaked tax plans of Tisza Party, which indicate that if they were to win the elections, they would replace the current single-rate 15% personal income tax with a three-bracket progressive system. Under this proposal, the 15% rate would apply only up to an annual income of HUF 5 million – meaning only for a narrower segment of earners. A 22% rate would apply from a monthly gross income of HUF 416,000, while incomes above HUF 1,250,000 per month would be taxed at 33%.
However, the results of the KINCS survey show that the vast majority of Hungarians are satisfied with the single-rate tax system and do not wish to see it changed. Two-thirds of respondents consider the single-rate tax simple and transparent. Seven out of ten believe the tax system should continue to be adjusted to the number of children. Two-thirds (65%) consider it unfair and say they would oppose applying a higher tax rate than 15% to the average wage. Seventy-two percent disagree with the idea that tax increases are necessary. Most would not accept a reduction in their income or living standards as a consequence of higher taxes.
The majority of Hungarian society therefore rejects tax increases and progressive taxation with higher brackets, and continues to support maintaining the current 15% single-rate, number of children adjusted, family-centred tax system. The single-rate 15% personal income tax leaves more money with families, supports economic growth, strengthens wage competitiveness, reduces the risk of tax evasion, and provides a predictable and transparent environment for employees. In contrast, introducing a progressive tax system with higher rates would fundamentally alter the current tax framework. It would reduce take-home pay, increase the risk of the informal economy, hinder employment, and disadvantage those who are raising children while working.
