Top personal income tax rates (PIT) in EU countries (in%).

When analyzing the historical PIT rates, it should be noted that in 2000 the average rate was almost 45%. The highest income tax (approx. 60%) was imposed in Belgium, Denmark, as well as in the Netherlands and France. On the other hand, the lowest (25%) rates were recorded in Estonia and Latvia, which were not yet members of the European Union. In the following years, most EU countries rather lowered PIT rates, and the average of this tax in EU countries is 38.6%. The most significant reductions were introduced by Bulgaria, Lithuania, Romania and also Hungary. The PIT tax burden differs significantly in the EU countries, as some countries have relatively low rates, but in Denmark, Portugal and Sweden, the PIT tax exceeds 50%.