Taxes in Albania

Taxes are commonly called tatime in Albania. The tax system is administered through national and local institutions, while social and health contributions are connected to employment and self-employment obligations. Tax residence helps determine which income Albania may tax. Citizenship alone does not settle every case because residence, home, personal connections, work, and the source of income can all matter. Employees generally receive income through payroll, where the employer handles important calculations and deductions. A worker should still review payslips and keep employment documents because additional income may create separate duties. Self-employed people and businesses usually have broader responsibilities. These can include registration, invoices, accounting records, declarations, payments, payroll duties, and communication with the tax administration. Value-added tax is known as TVSH in Albanian. It is included in many business transactions and consumer purchases, while registration and reporting obligations depend on the activity and applicable tax rules. Property ownership or use can create local taxes and charges. Buying, selling, renting, inheriting, or transferring property may also have tax consequences that should be checked before an agreement is completed. Income from abroad does not automatically fall outside the Albanian system. A person may need to consider Albanian residence rules, the foreign source country's rules, and any mechanism intended to prevent double taxation. Reliable records include contracts, invoices, receipts, bank statements, payroll papers, ownership documents, and filed declarations. Records should explain where money came from and why a deduction or business cost was claimed. Tax rules differ by status and activity, so general knowledge cannot replace case-specific advice. A qualified Albanian accountant or tax professional is especially useful for businesses, foreign income, property transactions, and changes of residence.