A KPMG study published on 1 October 2026 quantified the fiscal footprint of the ride‑hailing and delivery platform Bolt in Lithuania. The analysis, commissioned by the Ministry of Economy and Innovation, shows that Bolt’s operations generated €80.3 million in total tax and social security contributions to the Lithuanian budget in 2025. Of this amount, €76.1 million (95%) originated from the platform’s partners – drivers and couriers – through personal income tax (PIT) and mandatory social insurance contributions (Sodra). The remaining €4.2 million came from corporate income tax (CIT) paid by Bolt’s Lithuanian entity and VAT on platform fees. The report highlights that the gig‑economy model shifts the primary tax burden onto self‑employed individuals, raising questions about the adequacy of current social protection coverage and the potential need for a platform‑worker directive at EU level. The Lithuanian Tax Administration (VMI) has announced it will use the findings to refine its risk‑assessment algorithms for the digital platform sector, with enhanced data‑sharing protocols expected in 2027.
Key Takeaways
- Partner‑Centric Tax Base: The overwhelming share of fiscal contributions coming from partners underscores the importance of accurate PIT and Sodra compliance for gig workers; VMI plans to introduce a simplified digital reporting portal for platform income in 2027.
- Corporate Tax Contribution Modest: Bolt’s Lithuanian entity paid only €4.2 million in CIT and VAT combined, reflecting the low‑margin platform‑fee structure; policymakers are considering a digital services tax (DST) of 3% on gross revenues to capture more value locally.
- Social Security Gap Identified: The study notes that 38% of active partners fall below the minimum social insurance threshold, limiting their access to pensions, sickness, and maternity benefits; the Ministry of Social Security and Labour is drafting a “portable benefits” scheme to address this gap.
Disclaimer: This article is compiled and summarized by the AI based on publicly available information and is for general information purposes only. It does not constitute any form of formal tax advice, legal opinion, or basis for performance. Please consult a qualified professional tax advisor or legal counsel for tax advice.
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