This guide walks you through every step of filing your Bulgarian annual tax declaration — from gathering documents to pressing "Submit". Whether you're a freelancer, landlord, investor, or just want to claim child tax relief — follow these 9 steps and you'll be done.
Key Deadlines
- March 31 — Deadline for electronic filing with a 5% discount on tax due (up to BGN 500).
- April 30 — General deadline for filing the Art. 50 PITDA declaration.
- June 30 — Deadline for the annual corporate tax declaration under Art. 92 CITA (for legal entities).
Before You Begin: Do You Need to File?
Quick check — if you fall into at least one of these groups, continue reading:
- Freelancer, sole trader, or self-employed person
- Received fees under a civil contract
- Income from rent, crypto, property/vehicle sales
- Foreign income or dividends from foreign companies
- Want to claim a tax relief (children, mortgage, etc.)
- Overpaid tax and want a refund
Only Have a Salary?
If your only income is from an employment contract and you don't plan to claim any reliefs — you don't need to file. Your employer already withheld and paid the tax. But if you have children, a mortgage, or made charitable donations — keep reading, because you can get money back.
1Gather Your Documents
Before opening the NRA portal, gather everything in one place. Here's what you need based on your income type:
If You Have Employment Income
- Employment certificate (form under Art. 45 PITDA) — request it from your company's accounting department
- NRA pre-filled data — the portal already has your employment income information submitted by your employer
If You Have Civil Contract Income
- Payment slips — received from your client. They contain withheld tax and insurance amounts
- Annual certificate under Art. 45(4) — summarizes all payments for the year
If You're Self-Employed / Freelancer
- Income and expense book (or accounting summary) — total revenue for the year
- Advance insurance payments summary — by month, from bank statements or the NRA portal
- Advance tax payments summary — quarterly payments made during the year
If You Have Rental Income
- Rental agreement — monthly amount and period
- Bank statements or receipts — proof of received amounts
- Tax withholding docs — if the tenant is a company and withheld advance tax
For Tax Reliefs
- Children: Declaration from the other parent that they won't claim the relief
- Mortgage (young families): Bank certificate for interest paid during the year
- Voluntary insurance: Certificate from the pension fund for contributions made
- Donations: Document from the recipient organization confirming the donation
2Get Access to the NRA Portal
The declaration is filed electronically through the NRA e-services portal. To log in, you need one of the following:
Option A: PIC from NRA
- Free — obtained in person at an NRA office
- Bring your ID and visit the nearest NRA office
- You receive a code on paper immediately
- Best for employees with simple declarations
Recommended for: employees, landlords, claiming reliefs
Option B: QES (Electronic Signature)
- Paid — ~BGN 50-100/yr from B-Trust, Evrotrust, InfoNotary
- Evrotrust is the easiest — install a phone app
- Gives access to all e-services (NRA, NSSI, municipalities)
- Required for self-employed with complex declarations
Recommended for: freelancers, sole traders, multiple income sources
After logging in, navigate to "Submit Declarations" → "Annual Tax Declaration under Art. 50 PITDA". The system will load a form with your pre-filled data — information submitted automatically by your employers and payers. Review it carefully before continuing.
3Choose the Right Appendices
The declaration consists of a main section + appendices for each income type. You don't fill all of them — only those that apply to you:
| Appendix | When to Fill It | Tax | NRE |
|---|---|---|---|
| App. 1 | Employment salary | 10% | — |
| App. 2 | Sole trader business activity | 15% | by balance |
| App. 3 | Freelance work, civil contracts | 10% | 25% |
| App. 4 | Rental income | 10% | 10% |
| App. 5 | Property, vehicle, crypto, stock sales | 10% | — |
| App. 8 | Foreign income | 10% | — |
| App. 10 | Tax reliefs (children, mortgage, donations) | — | — |
What Are NRE (Normatively Recognized Expenses)?
The state assumes you have business expenses and lets you deduct them without proof. For example, freelancers: from BGN 10,000 income you only pay tax on BGN 7,500 (25% is automatically recognized as expenses).
4Fill in the Main Section
The main section contains your personal data. Most fields will be pre-filled. Review and complete:
- 4.1Personal Data
PIN (EGN), names, address — verify they match your ID card. Wrong address may delay processing.
- 4.2Check the Appendices You'll Fill
In Part I you'll see a list of checkboxes — tick the appendices from Step 3 that apply to you.
- 4.3Bank Account (IBAN)
Fill in your IBAN — mandatory if you expect a tax refund. Without it, you won't receive your money automatically.
5Fill in the Income Appendices
This is where the real work happens. Follow the instructions for your specific situation:
Scenario: Freelancer / Self-Employed (Appendix 3)
- 1.In Table 1, enter your total revenue for the year (all invoices/payments)
- 2.The system automatically calculates and deducts 25% NRE
- 3.Enter your insurance contributions paid during the year — these reduce the tax base
- 4.The result is your tax base, on which 10% tax is calculated
- 5.Enter advance tax payments (quarterly) — these are deducted from the final tax
Example: BGN 60,000 Annual Revenue
- Revenue: BGN 60,000
- NRE 25%: -BGN 15,000
- Insurance income: BGN 45,000
- Insurance (~28.5%): -BGN 12,840
- Tax base: BGN 32,160
- Tax 10%: BGN 3,216
- - Advance payments: ~BGN 2,400
- Due: ~BGN 816
Scenario: Rental Income (Appendix 4)
- 1.Enter the total rent received for the year
- 2.10% NRE is automatically deducted
- 3.If the tenant is a company — they already withheld 10% advance tax. Enter the amount withheld
- 4.If the tenant is an individual — you owed quarterly advance tax. Enter what you paid
Scenario: Salary Only + Child Relief (App. 1 + App. 10)
- 1.Appendix 1: Employment data will be pre-filled — just verify it
- 2.Appendix 10: Check "children's relief" and enter the number of children
- 3.Attach a declaration from the other parent that they won't claim the relief
- 4.The system calculates overpaid tax — BGN 300 for 1 child, 600 for 2, 900 for 3+
This money is refunded to the IBAN you provided in the main section.
Scenario: Crypto, Stocks, Property or Vehicle Sales (Appendix 5)
If you sold cryptocurrency, stocks, property, or a vehicle during the year — fill in Appendix 5. Tax is 10% on the profit (sale price minus purchase price).
- 1.Enter the sale price and the documented purchase price
- 2.The system calculates the taxable profit (the difference)
- 3.Tax: 10% on the profit. If you made a loss — no tax due, but you still must declare it
Example: Cryptocurrency Sale
- Bought Bitcoin for: BGN 5,000
- Sold for: BGN 18,000
- Profit: BGN 13,000
- Tax 10%: BGN 1,300
When is property sale tax-free? If the property is your only residence and you owned it for at least 3 years, or you sell up to 2 properties per year under certain conditions. Vehicles: exempt if owned for over 1 year.
Scenario: Stocks, ETFs, and Dividends
Investment income is taxed in two ways — capital gains (when you sell) and dividends (when profits are distributed). The tax treatment depends on whether the securities are traded on a regulated market.
Profits from selling shares and ETFs traded on a regulated EU/EEA market are tax-exempt. You don't need to declare them.
Profits from selling shares in companies outside a regulated market (e.g., shares in LLCs, private companies) are taxed at 10% in Appendix 5.
Taxed at 5% final withholding tax, which the company deducts at the time of payment. You don't declare them — the tax is already paid.
Taxed at 5%, declared in Appendix 8 (foreign income). If the foreign country already withheld tax, you can offset it using the tax credit method to avoid double taxation.
Example: Dividends from a US Company
- Dividends received: $2,000
- US withholding tax (15%): $300
- Bulgarian tax due (5%): $100
- Tax credit: $100 (capped at BG tax)
- Additional tax due: $0
Since the US withholding (15%) exceeds the Bulgarian rate (5%), you owe nothing extra. But you must still declare it in Appendix 8.
Scenario: Foreign Income (Appendix 8)
If you are a tax resident of Bulgaria (you live here for more than 183 days per year), you owe tax on your worldwide income — including salaries, fees, rent, and dividends from abroad.
- 1.In Appendix 8, enter the type and amount of income, country of origin, and tax withheld abroad
- 2.Apply the method for avoiding double taxation — usually the tax credit method (offset the tax paid abroad)
- 3.If Bulgaria has a DTT (Double Tax Treaty) with that country — check the specific rates that apply
Bulgaria has DTTs with over 70 countries, including the US, UK, Germany, Netherlands, and all EU member states. The full list is available on the NRA website.
6Equalize Insurance (Self-Employed Only)
This step is ONLY for self-employed persons. If you only receive a salary or civil contract fees — skip this step.
During the year, you paid insurance contributions based on a chosen income level (check the current minimum insurance income on the NRA website). Now you need to compare that with your actual income and pay the difference if the actual amount was higher.
Fill in month by month: the income on which you paid advance contributions (column 3) and your actual income (column 5). The system calculates the difference. The ceiling is BGN 3,750/month.
The system calculates how much additional insurance you owe (or overpaid). Insurance rates: SSI ~14.8%, SPIF ~5%, HI 8% (for persons born after 1959).
Practical Example
You paid insurance on BGN 933/month, but actual income was BGN 3,000/month. Difference: 2,067/month x 12 = BGN 24,804. Additional insurance owed (~28.5%) = ~BGN 7,069.
If your actual income was lower than the advance amount — you overpaid and can offset it.
7Apply Tax Reliefs (Appendix 10)
This is where you get money back. If you qualify for any of these reliefs, don't skip them:
| Relief | You Save | What to Fill In |
|---|---|---|
| Children | BGN 300 / 600 / 900 | Number of children + declaration from other parent |
| Child with disability | BGN 600 / child | Disability assessment + parent declaration |
| Person with disability | BGN 7,920 off tax base | 50%+ permanent disability assessment |
| Young families (mortgage) | Interest paid on loan | Bank certificate for interest (up to BGN 100,000 loan) |
| Voluntary insurance | Up to 10% of tax base | Pension fund certificate |
| Donations | Up to 5% of tax base | Document from recipient organization |
| Cashless payments | 1% of tax (up to BGN 500) | Over 80% of income received cashlessly |
8Review, Validate, and Submit
- Click "Validate"
The system checks for errors and missing required fields. Problems are highlighted in red.
- Check the "Result" Section
Here you'll see either tax due (you owe money) or tax refundable (you'll get money back). Verify the amount looks reasonable.
- Click "Submit"
Sign with your QES or PIC. You'll receive a filing number — save it. You can download a PDF copy.
5% Discount — Don't Miss It! If you file electronically by March 31 and have no unfiled declarations from previous years — you automatically get a 5% discount on tax due (up to BGN 500). The system calculates it, but verify it was applied.
9Pay the Tax (If You Owe)
If the declaration shows tax due, you have until April 30 to pay it. Here are your options:
Online
Via ePay.bg or EasyPay. Fast and free.
Bank Transfer
To the NRA account for your territorial directorate. Details in the portal.
At a Counter
At a bank branch or EasyPay office with a payment order.
If you also owe additional insurance: these are paid separately from income tax, into different accounts (SSI, HI, SPIF). The deadline is the same — April 30. Payment orders are available in the NRA portal.
After Filing: What's Next?
Expecting a Refund
The NRA processes your declaration and offsets any overpaid tax against existing obligations. If you have none — the refund is sent to your IBAN within 30 days. Check your tax account in the portal to track the status.
Found an Error
You can file a corrective declaration by September 30 without penalty. Just log in again, click "Correction" and change the needed fields.
Missed the Deadline
A fine of BGN 500 to 3,000 for a first offense (up to BGN 6,000 for repeat offenders), plus late payment interest. File as soon as possible to minimize the interest.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Omitting income
The NRA cross-references data from employers, banks, notaries, and crypto exchanges. Unreported income will be detected and you'll face a fine.
- Errors in Table 1 and 2
The most common mistake for self-employed. Watch the monthly ceiling (BGN 3,750) and proper income distribution by month.
- Forgetting Appendix 10
Thousands of people lose hundreds of BGN every year by forgetting to fill in children's relief. It takes 2 minutes.
- Missing IBAN
Without an IBAN, there's no way to receive a refund. Fill it in even if you're not sure you'll get money back.
- Filing on paper instead of electronically
You lose the 5% discount and wait longer for processing. Get a free PIC from the NRA (takes 15 minutes) and file online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline for filing the annual tax declaration?
The general deadline is April 30 each year. If you file electronically by March 31, you get a 5% discount on tax due (up to BGN 500). For legal entities (Art. 92 CITA), the deadline is June 30.
Do I need to file if I only have salary income?
No, if your only income is from employment and you don't want tax reliefs. Your employer already withheld and paid the tax. But if you want child relief, mortgage deductions, or donation deductions — you must file to get your overpaid tax refunded.
How do I declare cryptocurrency income?
Income from cryptocurrency sales is declared in Appendix 5 (property sales). You're taxed on the profit — the difference between sale and purchase price. Tax rate is 10%. If you can't document the purchase price, the NRA may treat it as 0 — keep your exchange records!
How much is the child tax relief?
The child tax relief is: BGN 300 for 1 child, BGN 600 for 2 children, BGN 900 for 3 or more. For a child with disability — an additional BGN 600. Only one parent can claim the relief — the other signs a declaration that they won't.
What is a PIC and how do I get one for free?
A PIC (Personal Identification Code) is a free access code for NRA e-services. You get it in person at an NRA office with your ID — takes about 15 minutes. It lets you file your declaration online and qualify for the 5% early filing discount.
Can I correct an already filed declaration?
Yes! You can file a corrective declaration by September 30 of the same year without penalty. Log into the NRA portal, select "Correction" and change the needed fields. The system recalculates the tax automatically.
What happens if I miss the deadline?
A fine of BGN 500 to 3,000 for first offense (up to 6,000 for repeat). In addition, you owe late payment interest on the unpaid tax. The sooner you file — the less interest you accumulate.
Do I owe tax when selling a car?
No, if you owned the vehicle for more than 1 year before selling it. If less than 1 year — you're taxed on the profit (sale price minus purchase price) at 10% in Appendix 5.
Calculate Your Tax in Advance
Before filling in your declaration, calculate how much you'll owe or how much you're entitled to get back.