The Russian State Social University (RSSU) has proposed a new tax aimed at people without children, and the idea is stirring up a lot of conversation. This tax would be a revival of a similar policy that existed during the Soviet Union from 1941 to 1992.
What’s the Proposal About?
According to Dzhomart Aliev, a top official at RSSU, the government is considering adding a 3% tax on the income of childless individuals. This means if you don’t have kids, you might pay more in taxes. Additionally, the government is looking to increase other taxes: a 5% hike on inheritance tax and a 0.5% increase on property tax.
Why This Tax Now?
The aim behind this proposal is to encourage people to have more children, addressing a significant issue in Russia. In recent years, the country has seen a sharp decline in birth rates. In fact, reports show that in the first half of this year, Russia recorded its lowest birth rate since the crisis of 1998, with about 599,600 babies born—a drop of 16,600 compared to last year.
Backlash and Support
The suggestion has sparked mixed reactions among lawmakers. Lieutenant General Andrey Gurulev, who is part of the State Duma Defense Committee, supports the idea, saying the money collected from this tax could help improve orphanages in Russia.
However, not everyone is on board. Nina Ostanina, the head of the State Duma’s Committee on Family Protection, criticized the proposal. She pointed out that when the childless tax was in place during the Soviet era, it came with a range of social benefits for families, such as free nurseries, kindergarten, and even housing.
Another MP, Yevgeny Popov, even made a joke about the idea, suggesting that a “tax on stupidity” should be introduced instead.
The Bigger Picture
As Russia grapples with declining birth rates, the government is under pressure to find ways to encourage families to grow. The childless tax proposal is just one of many ideas being discussed to tackle this issue. While some see it as a practical approach to boost the population, others view it as a heavy-handed and outdated policy.
The debate continues, and it’s clear that this proposal has ignited strong feelings on both sides, making it a hot topic in Russian politics today.
