SZÉP card incentive within the framework of the Economic Protection Action Plan

The overall benefit amount that can be paid with preferential rate by State Institutions in 2020 is the following:

• HUF 400,000 per year, if the employee's employment lasts throughout the whole year;
• the proportion of the amount of HUF 400,000 in line with the number of days spent by the employee with the given employer in the tax year on which the benefit is based, in case the employee's employment lasts only part of the year;
• HUF 400,000 per year, if the employment of the individual is terminated due to the death of the individual.

The overall benefit amount that can be paid with preferential rate by other employers in 2020 is the following:

• HUF 800,000 per year, if the employee's employment lasts throughout the whole year;
• the proportion of the amount of HUF 800,000 in line with the number of days spent by the employee with the given employer in the tax year on which the benefit is based, in case the employee's employment lasts only part of the year;
• HUF 800,000 per year, if the employment of the individual is terminated due to the death of the individual.

The employer does not pay social contribution tax on the amounts qualified as fringe benefits transferred to the SZÉP card between 22 April and 31 Dec 2020.

The amount of HUF 800,000 can be divided between the individual pockets in order to qualify the given amount as fringe benefit as follows: 

• to the accommodation sub-account of the SZÉP card up to HUF 400,000 per year;
• to the food and beverages sub-account of the SZÉP card up to HUF 265,000 per year;
• to the recreational activity sub-account of the SZÉP card up to HUF 135,000 per year.

The amount provided in excess of the limit is taxed as specific benefit.

Under a previous decree, for overdue amounts not spent by 31 May, banks will not charge a fee to the employee until the 60th day after the end of the emergency.