Continuing the regulatory momentum of mid-July 2026, the Montenegro Tax Administration further disseminated a series of new tax laws and sub-legislative acts published in the Official Gazette of Montenegro, Issue No. 104/26, dated July 17, 2026. These instruments represent the most recent tranche of tax policy reforms undertaken by the government to modernize the fiscal framework, broaden the tax base, and strengthen administrative enforcement capabilities. Among the notable new laws is the Amended Law on Value-Added Tax, which introduces revised rates for specific tourism-related services, enhanced anti-abuse provisions targeting fraudulent input tax claims, and stricter documentation requirements for cross-border transactions. The Amended Law on Excise Duties incorporates updated tax rates for alcohol, tobacco, and petroleum products, reflecting changes in excise duty harmonization with regional neighbors and European Union standards. Additionally, the new Rulebook on the Manner and Procedure of Tax Audits establishes more detailed guidelines for the conduct of on-site inspections, the rights and obligations of taxpayers during audit proceedings, and the prescribed timelines for the submission of audit findings and taxpayer responses. The publication also includes a revised Rulebook on Penalties, which standardizes the calculation and imposition of administrative fines for various categories of tax non-compliance, including late filing, underreporting of turnover, and improper refund claims. All published instruments carry an effective date of August 1, 2026, or as otherwise specified, and are subject to a 30-day public commentary period prior to full enforceability. The Tax Administration has established a dedicated online portal section where the full texts of the new laws, rulebooks, and explanatory notes are available for download, and stakeholders are encouraged to submit any procedural questions or compliance concerns through the designated channel. These reforms collectively aim to reduce the VAT gap, improve taxpayer voluntary compliance, and bring Montenegro’s tax regime into closer alignment with international best practices and European Union administrative cooperation norms.
Key Takeaways
- Comprehensive Tax Law Overhaul: The July 2026 Official Gazette publication features amendments to Value-Added Tax, Excise Duties, Audit Procedures, and Penalty Regulations, collectively aimed at broadening the tax base, enhancing enforcement, and aligning Montenegro’s fiscal framework with EU administrative standards.
- Effective Date and Compliance Timeline: All published instruments become enforceable August 1, 2026, or as specified, with a mandatory 30-day commentary period; tax professionals are advised to review the full texts available on the Administration’s digital portal without delay.
Disclaimer:This article is compiled and summarized based on publicly available information and is for general information and academic exchange purposes only. It does not constitute any form of formal tax advice, legal opinion, or basis for performance. For tax planning, please consult a qualified professional tax advisor or legal counsel.
Source: Read Original Announcement