Some of the leading players in the market give us their take.
BBJ: What’s new in the Hungarian regulations for 2026?
László Hegedűs: For the Hungarian SME sector, particularly in construction, hospitality, and IT, 2026 is a year of calculated adaptation. The regulatory landscape has shifted towards digitalization and targeted relief: the VAT exemption threshold has risen to HUF 20 million, and reporting burdens for micro-enterprises have eased. However, new e-VAT obligations and the mandatory online receipt data reporting (starting in September) require robust technical readiness.
Dániel Benkő: The 2026 tax changes bring genuinely good news for businesses. Key thresholds have been raised across the board, significantly widening access to the Kiva small-business tax regime in terms of headcount and revenue limits. These changes open the door to more favorable tax treatment for a much wider range of companies, and can meaningfully support growth and strengthen the broader economy.
Ernő Varga: Key developments include further digitalization, expanded and refined data connections with the tax authority, broader machine-to-machine reporting, and more extensive monitoring of online data with closer scrutiny of discrepancies. The ÁNYK filing system will be phased out by the end of 2026, replaced by the online ONYA platform. Anti-tax-avoidance measures and ESG-related regulations are also expected to strengthen.
Zoltán Lambert: Numerous minor amendments have been introduced to the tax regulations. Certain elements of the family support system (such as the family tax allowance and the tax exemption for mothers under 30, etc.) stand out in this year’s regulation. Although not a change for 2026, an extremely significant announcement by the tax authority is that the ÁNYK system will be phased out as of Jan. 1, 2027.
BBJ: How prepared are you and your clients for these changes?
LH: As an advisory firm, we have spent the past year migrating our clients to integrated cloud-accounting systems. This proactive approach ensures that our construction and manufacturing clients remain compliant with the increasingly granular data requirements, regardless of the April election outcome. While a change in government could bring shifts in fiscal priorities, potentially focusing on rule-of-law reforms to unlock further EU funds, we anticipate that the core direction of tax digitalization and green investment incentives will remain a permanent fixture of the legislative environment.
Péter Hajnal: Taxation and accounting are constantly evolving, involving numerous challenges due to ongoing legislative changes, regulatory developments, and economic shifts. However, our company remains continuously up to date with these changes. We ensure that both our clients and our employees are regularly informed and properly trained to adapt to the evolving environment.
András Szalai: The most exciting challenge is the transition from the ÁNYK system to the ONYA and e‑VAT platforms, including the update of standard VAT codes and VAT subledgers required by the Hungarian tax authority from 2027. We support our clients in adopting the changes, assessing their ERP readiness, implementing the necessary processes and data adjustments, and setting up the interface to ensure timely compliance.
EV: Accounting and tax advisory firms are used to frequent regulatory changes, so monitoring them is part of daily operations. Micro and small businesses require more guidance and proactive advisory support than larger firms. Automated accounting systems are continuously updated, and staff receive ongoing professional training to stay current.
ZL: Fortunately, we began preparing for these changes months ago, so we are fully ready, both professionally and technologically, for the phase-out of ÁNYK and the introduction of the new M2M solution. The implementation process has already started with some of our clients, and all our clients can rely on us.
BBJ: Once the April election results are known, do you anticipate any changes in legislation?
DB: Independent of political direction, non-EU investments are growing in importance, and CEE is uniquely positioned to become a central hub for them. That is precisely why we expanded into London and Dubai: being present in both markets allows us to act as a bridge, channeling investments from either direction into the CEE region.
PH: I would say that since the opposition party prioritizes deeper EU integration, there could be moves to align Hungarian accounting standards more closely with European directives. However, regardless of the outcome, the digitization of filing and bookkeeping is expected to continue expanding. Environmental protection is also a hot topic; opposition platforms often emphasize environmental tax incentives, but the current government has also introduced selective rebates for energy efficiency.
ZL: In the event of a change in government, we can expect significant changes. Otherwise, we do not anticipate a major shift in tax policy.
BBJ: What are the global trends in your profession not yet visible in Hungary?
DB: AI is rapidly reshaping the industry, pushing service providers to rethink their capabilities, technology, and delivery speed. Success will depend on providing relevant, high-quality data securely and without delay, while co-sourcing continues to gain traction among companies seeking flexible expertise. At the same time, the market is clearly moving toward multi-country solutions with centralized coordination and local execution, a model we have built globally.
ASz: What we see, especially in larger, internationally benchmarked organizations, is a move away from “monthly delivery” toward more continuous “real-time” finance operations; Hungary will feel that pull as expectations converge. The most disruptive trend is AI: shifting from ad-hoc assistance to governed workflow automation, where “agents” can execute end-to-end routines with clear controls, auditability, and human sign-off. This is less visible in Hungary today because many processes still rely on email, Excel, and key-person know-how. Still, the direction of travel is toward standardized data, self-service transparency, and AI-enabled productivity, with risk reduction measured by outcomes rather than hype.
Máté Fogarasi: In today’s business environment, there is a noticeable shift towards a more analytical approach among decision-makers. No longer content with reviewing net profit alone, leaders are keen to analyze every element and aspect of their business transactions. This trend has led to the development of complex, detailed reporting processes that must be completed at the end of each period. Consequently, service providers are facing significant challenges in meeting these strict reporting deadlines.
Adding to the complexity is the introduction of new regulations aimed at digitalization. Companies and service providers are now compelled to embrace automation and technology to comply with these new requirements. Focusing specifically on Hungary, several opportunities and obligations are emerging within the finance sector:
• The implementation of XML-based automatic invoice-data processing within accounting software;
• The adoption of electronic billing and archiving, to be completed with automated process flows; and
• The automation of bank payment processing through the use of uploaded files.
EV: Automation and AI are reshaping accounting and taxation, shifting the profession toward data analysis and advisory services while manual bookkeeping declines. Market consolidation is expected; many small firm practitioners nearing retirement are leaving the sector.
ZL: We are witnessing a technological transformation, including the complete restructuring of corporate processes, the rapid spread of automation, and the everyday use of AI. In my view, Hungary is not lagging in this respect, we perform above the European market average.
BBJ: Is your profession still attractive to upcoming graduates?
LH: Globally, our profession is moving toward “Agentic AI” and ESG-driven advisory. We see a trend where accountants transform from “data recorders” to “strategic navigators.” This shift is crucial for attracting new talent. While the graduate shortage is a reality, we mitigate this by offering students more than just “number crunching.” By automating routine tasks, we allow junior associates to engage in high-value advisory work early on. We are not just looking for bookkeepers; we are recruiting data-literate consultants who can help our IT and hospitality clients thrive in a volatile economy.
DB: While roles in large SSCs or Big Four firms often focus on narrow segments or a single process or function, our environment is distinctly different. Here, you are engaged in the full spectrum of accounting tasks and work with clients across a diverse range of industries. For those who thrive on rapid, broad-based learning, this approach provides an ideal platform for accelerated professional development.
PH: Accounting and tax advisory remain attractive and valuable career paths for upcoming graduates. However, the profession faces some challenges in attracting and retaining talent. Globalization and EU regulation increase the demand for professionals who understand both Hungarian and international standards. Furthermore, digitalization and the rise of AI require deeper technical expertise, so candidates need different skill sets than before. Graduates may not be fully aware of how varied and intellectually challenging modern accounting careers can be. To mitigate talent shortages, we offer internship and trainee programs; strengthen collaboration with universities to ensure students learn practical skills; modernize jobs and positions with digital tools and advanced advisory services; and provide an attractive working environment.
ASz: The profession itself is still attractive. However, graduates today don’t choose industries; they choose experience, growth and meaning. We shifted from classic employer branding to experience-based attraction: authentic storytelling, educational content, community touchpoints and formats where students can interact with real people, not just job ads. We also start engagement much earlier, through university partnerships, events, and talent communities, so that by the time they graduate, we are already a familiar and trusted option, where they can progress and realize their career ambitions.
MF: While automation continues to transform the landscape of administrative tasks, the need for human involvement in our field remains indispensable. Despite the growing reliance on technology to handle routine administrative work, we are dedicated to identifying and nurturing graduates with exceptional potential. The unique insights and capabilities that human professionals bring to the table will always be valuable, ensuring a seamless integration of both technology and human expertise in our industry.
EV: Competition for young talent is strong. The auditing profession tends to attract Gen Z more than accounting or tax advisory roles. The main challenge is often not recruitment but retention. We have been operating a successful internship program for more than three years, carefully selecting university students, employing them during their studies, and offering them full-time positions after graduation as part of a structured career path. Currently, all of our accounting colleagues are Gen Z. If both employee and client experience are ensured (and we actively work on both), the result is a well-functioning, dynamic team.
ZL: Our profession remains attractive among recent graduates. As corporate processes evolve, so do companies’ expectations toward their employees. This requires a higher level of IT knowledge; however, today’s graduates are naturally more open to this, and in many cases, they become the driving force behind technological development within their organizations.
(in alphabetical order, by company name)
• László Hegedűs, Director of sales and client relations, Bergmann Accounting Office Ltd.
• Dániel Benkő, Head of accounting, BPiON
• Péter Hajnal, Partner, managing director, Moore Hungary
• András Szalai, Partner, managing director, Process Solutions Kft.
• Máté Fogarasi, Head of accounting and tax, TMF Hungary Ltd.
• Ernő Varga, Founder and chairman of the board, VRG Varga & Varga Accounting and Consulting Inc.
• Zoltán Lambert, Managing partner, WTS Klient Gazdasági Tanácsadó Kft.
This article was first published in the Budapest Business Journal print issue of February 27, 2026.
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