Iva
Accountant · Zagreb, Croatia
- 101 cases handled · 5 in this service
- 5+ years in practice
- Speaks: Italian, English
- Economics, University of economics
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5.00(3 reviews)
Tax Services for Freelancers & Self-Employed in Croatia
Ongoing tax and bookkeeping for freelancers and the self-employed in Croatia — the lump-sum tax of a paušalni obrt or the books of an obrt taxed on its profit, contributions, the yearly reports to the Tax Administration, VAT questions and invoicing under the fiscalisation rules.
About Tax Services for Freelancers & Self-Employed in Croatia
Tax services for freelancers and the self-employed in Croatia cover what a sole trader pays and files once the business is open: freelancer tax, self-employed tax and contributions — in Croatian porez i doprinosi za obrt — and, for most foreigners, the tax of a paušalni obrt, the lump-sum regime searched as “porez paušalni obrt”. Some older lists and lawyer pages call this service “Tax Services for Self-Employed”. It is for remote workers, consultants, designers, tutors, guides and other one-person businesses registered as an obrt or as a free profession who want their obligations handled in English.
Three ways an obrt is taxed
- Lump sum (paušal). The obrt falls into an income band; income tax is paid quarterly as a fixed amount for that band, and the pension and health contributions are fixed too. The obrt keeps a simple record of receipts and reports its turnover once a year, which can move it into another band.
- Income tax from the books. An obrt with real costs keeps a book of income and expenses; the profit goes into an annual income tax return, with advance payments during the year.
- Profit tax. Some obrts are taxed like a company on their profit, by choice or once their revenue passes a limit.
What else comes with it
Sales to customers paying cash or by card are fiscalised, and e-invoicing between businesses is being extended in stages under the reform called Fiscalisation 2.0. A sole trader outside VAT may still need a VAT number to pay Croatian VAT on services bought from abroad — a booking platform's commission, online advertising, software — see VAT advice and compliance. Passing the turnover limit of the lump-sum regime, or of the VAT exemption, changes the obligations from the following period.
Points to watch
Bands, contribution bases and limits are revised often, sometimes every year, and the income tax rate also depends on the town; an accountant confirms the current figures. Income earned for foreign clients may also have to be reported in the home country, where a tax treaty decides who taxes it. The tax exemption of a digital nomad covers pay from abroad, not the income of a Croatian obrt.
What an accountant or adviser does
Keeps the records, calculates and files the quarterly and annual obligations through ePorezna, watches the limits, answers letters from the Tax Administration and the pension fund, and says when moving to books or to a company makes sense. Registration itself is covered by self-employed set-up; personal questions outside the business by personal tax consultation; a company's accounts by tax and accounting for limited companies.
Questions and answers
How much tax does a paušalni obrt pay?
A fixed quarterly amount set by its income band, plus fixed contributions; the amounts change, so they are confirmed for the current year.
Is there a self-employed tax calculator for Croatia?
Online calculators exist, but the band, the town's rate and the contributions depend on facts an accountant checks.
Does a freelancer in Croatia charge VAT?
Not while the business stays under the VAT threshold and has not registered voluntarily; above it, VAT is charged and returns are filed.
Can I keep an obrt while employed?
Yes; the contributions of an obrt run alongside employment are calculated differently.
1 lawyer who provides Tax Services for Freelancers & Self-Employed in Croatia
Sorted by experience in this service. Write to any of them — the reply comes from the lawyer, without obligation.
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Talk to a lawyer about Tax Services for Freelancers & Self-Employed
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What our clients say about our service in Croatia
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Without my asking, he spotted a way to obtain financial help from the state after I lost my one and only client as a self-employed worker. I had not even realised I could qualify, because I thought my particular case did not apply. He also told me whom to contact, and I was very satisfied with his help. I have already suggested him to my partner, who will soon be contacting him about her own finances.
— Martina08 Feb 2024 -
The lawyer was always very thorough and came up with great solutions. She patiently went through everything and talked me through my options, which was a great help as I had just moved to a new country and did not speak Italian. The assistance was excellent.
— Kelly14 May 2022Tax Services for Freelancers & Self-Employed, Italy -
I am delighted with the help and service the lawyer has given me on my tax information and on setting up my freelancer documents. I definitely recommend him!
— Richard13 May 2022 -
The lawyer is always very responsive and quick to jump on a call to explain any question I have. He often goes the extra mile and has helped me navigate the complicated Portuguese tax system, which has been extremely helpful. His English is perfect, so I always understand him.
— Sam14 Feb 2022Tax Services for Freelancers & Self-Employed, Portugal -
The lawyer is excellent and has consistently given me quality service since I became self-employed ("autonomo") in Spain several years ago.
— David12 Oct 2021Tax Services for Freelancers & Self-Employed -
The lawyer is an excellent advisor: professional and quick to respond. He put in a lot of work to get me registered professionally here in Spain, and he is still doing a great job.
— Hannah12 Oct 2021Tax Services for Freelancers & Self-Employed -
We have used this tax service since we moved to Mallorca in 2015. Every year without fail the lawyer contacts me to tell me what he needs in order to file my tax return. He is polite and professional, and his English is exemplary. I fully trust him to give me comprehensive and professional advice, and I would not hesitate to recommend him to any of my friends and family.
— Barry12 Oct 2021Tax Services for Freelancers & Self-Employed -
We have been working with the lawyer through this service for a few years, and choosing him was the right decision for us. He is professional, and whatever question we have, he explains it. We highly recommend him.
— Julia12 Oct 2021Tax Services for Freelancers & Self-Employed -
Emails were answered quickly and promptly. The lawyer explains everything in a way I can understand and offered solutions I was not aware of.
— Agust18 Jun 2019Tax Services for Freelancers & Self-Employed -
Very professional!
— Steven14 Mar 2025 -
The lawyer was very professional, with a personal touch in her contact with us, and replied on time whatever the time difference. I would recommend her without hesitation.
— Suzana15 Feb 2023Assistance with Official Procedures, Croatia -
The lawyer did a great job for us in dealing with a difficult service provider. Her approach was suitably forceful and got the result we needed. Communication was excellent and timely, and we are very grateful. Highly recommended.
— Paul20 Jul 2022