Digital giants paid over UAH 4.2 billion in the "Google tax" — what it means for the budget
Revenues from digital services are already bolstering the treasury: in January–February 2026 receipts exceeded last year’s result by UAH 0.7 billion. We examine who paid and why this matters for the Ukrainian budget.
By Tetiana Suchkova-Ladik
March 6, 2026 · 1 min read
Briefly
During January–February 2026, more than UAH 4.2 billion entered the state budget from the so‑called “Google tax.” This was reported by Lesya Karnaukh, acting head of the State Tax Service. The amount exceeds the figure for the same period in 2025 by UAH 0.7 billion, indicating strengthened receipts from digital services.
“In January–February 2026, €38.5 million and $52.1 million were paid — a total of more than UAH 4.2 billion in tax on electronic services of non‑residents.”
— Lesya Karnaukh, acting head of the State Tax Service
Who and how much
The leaders in paying this tax are Apple, Google, Valve, Meta, Sony, Etsy and Netflix. In total, 151 non‑resident entities have already registered as VAT payers in this segment, which means a broader taxpayer base and less dependence on one or two large providers.
Why it matters
These receipts are not just a line in a report. First, they represent a steady stream of foreign‑currency payments, converted into hryvnia, that fills the treasury amid wartime and postwar recovery. Second, real indicators of administrative effectiveness are rising: in 2025 the “Google tax” brought in more than UAH 14.4 billion for the year, and stronger figures at the start of 2026 may signal the preservation of that pace.
What experts point out
Analysts emphasize that receipts from digital services are a marker of foreign companies’ trust in the Ukrainian tax system and its ability to collect fees from global platforms. At the same time, the growth in sums underlines the importance of robust control and transparent reporting mechanisms so that these funds truly reach priority spending items.
Conclusion
The summary is simple: the digital economy is already generating material revenue. The task now is to preserve and grow this flow through effective administration and transparent rules. Whether the pace can be maintained and the receipts transformed into infrastructure recovery and enhanced security is a question for the government and the tax service.
