What will change in the lives of Russians from April 1
In April, Russians will face several important innovations at once. Firstly, by the end of the month, it is necessary to file a 3-personal income tax declaration for those who do it on their own. This includes income from real estate transactions. They will be allowed to check into the hotel without a passport — with the help of "State Services", the rules of work will be tightened for installment services, the borrower's solvency will be assessed solely by official income, and it will now be possible to recover the necessary amount from the debtor at the expense of his property. Read more about these and other innovations in the Izvestia article.
Pension indexation
Starting from April 1, 2026, social pensions will be indexed by 6.8% in Russia. This increase is annual — in 2025, the April indexation was 14.75%.
This time it will affect about 4.3 million people. We are talking about citizens who do not have sufficient insurance experience or the required number of pension coefficients to receive an old-age pension. Disabled people and people who have lost their breadwinner also receive payments.
As a result of the indexation, the average size of the social pension will increase from 8824.08 rubles to 9424.12 rubles. For children with disabilities from group I and children with disabilities, payments will increase by about 1.4 thousand rubles and reach 22,617.67 rubles. Group I disabled people will receive 1.2 thousand rubles more — 18,848.32 rubles.
The indexation will also affect other pension payments due to the following categories of citizens:
- conscripted military personnel;
- participants of the Great Patriotic War;
- citizens awarded the badges "Resident of besieged Leningrad", "Resident of besieged Sevastopol" and "Resident of besieged Stalingrad";
- test pilots and astronauts;
- citizens affected by radiation or man-made disasters, and their family members.
In addition, pensioners over the age of 80 and the disabled of group I will receive an additional increase: the fixed payment is doubled. All payments will be transferred automatically in an increased amount through the Financial Settlement System (SFR).
The deadline for submitting the 3-personal income tax declaration is expiring
By the end of April 2026, Russian citizens are required to declare income earned in 2025 in the 3‑personal income tax form. Personal income tax is paid by all those who have earned income in the country, including in real estate transactions. If income is already taxed through an employer, bank, or other tax agent, you do not need to file a return. Otherwise, the calculation and payment of the tax must be carried out independently by July 15, 2026.
Publication of information on tax arrears
From April 1, 2026, the Federal Tax Service will begin publishing monthly public information on tax arrears on its official website. Previously, such data was provided less frequently: first once a year, then quarterly.
Regular updating of information will allow citizens and organizations to monitor their obligations to the budget in a timely manner, as well as increase the transparency of the tax system.
Updated simplified tax return
On April 6, 2026, a new form, format and procedure for filling out a single tax return will come into force, approved by Order of the Federal Tax Service of Russia dated December 26, 2025 No. ED‑7‑3/1276@ (registered with the Ministry of Justice on February 5, 2026). The declaration is intended for taxpayers of one or more taxes who do not carry out transactions leading to the movement of funds in their bank accounts or in the cash register of the organization, and do not have taxable items for these taxes.
The new form excludes a number of details that were previously required to be filled in: "The code of the administrative division according to OKATO," "The code of the type of economic activity according to OKVED," and "The block number." Instead, new fields have been added: "Date of the last transaction, as a result of which funds were flowing into bank accounts (at the organization's cash desk)" and "Indication of tax return submission".
The order comes into force two months after its official publication, but not before the cancellation of the previously valid order of the Ministry of Finance of Russia dated July 10, 2007 No. 62n, which approved a similar declaration form. The innovation makes it possible to simplify the procedure for filing a declaration for taxpayers without active monetary transactions and taxable objects, reduce the number of mandatory details and improve the accuracy of accounting.
Changes to the VAT calculation documents
Due to the increase in the value-added tax rate, changes have been made to the documents used in VAT calculations since April 2026. The adjustments relate to the invoice, purchase book, sales book, as well as additional sheets of these books.
According to the decree of the Government of the Russian Federation dated January 23, 2026 No. 26 "On Amendments to the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation dated December 26, 2011 No. 1137", documents now need to indicate the cost of goods subject to traceability, accurate to kopecks, and not only in rubles.
Collection of tax arrears at the expense of the debtor's property
On April 1, 2026, the provisions of the new Article 72.3 of the Federal Law on Enforcement Proceedings, which regulates the specifics of compulsory debt collection from taxpayers and tax agents at the expense of property, will come into force. This innovation complements the out-of-court procedure for collecting tax debts introduced on November 1, 2025.
The essence of the changes is as follows: if the debtor does not have enough money to repay the debt, further recovery will be carried out at the expense of any other property owned by him. The exception is items intended for the daily personal use of the debtor and his family members.
The collection is carried out on the basis of a resolution of the tax authority and includes the amount of the negative balance of the Unified Tax Account (ENS), the costs of enforcement actions, as well as the enforcement fee. The assessment of the debtor's property, its transfer for sale, as well as the termination or termination of enforcement proceedings is carried out by a bailiff based on data from the State Information System (GIS), received automatically.
The legal grounds are fixed in Federal Law No. 287‑FZ dated July 31, 2025 "On Amendments to Part One of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation and the Federal Law "On Enforcement Proceedings".
New procedure for importing goods by car
Starting from April 1, 2026, the national confirmation system for waiting for goods (SPOT) in test mode will be launched in Russia. The system is aimed at increasing the transparency and manageability of accounting and control of indirect taxes when importing goods from the EAEU countries. The key innovation is the transfer of part of the control procedures to the stage before crossing the border. Previously, control was carried out after the import of goods as part of desk and on-site inspections, which did not always allow timely detection and prevention of violations.
The SPOT provides for the mandatory submission of a document on the upcoming delivery (DPP), making a security payment, assigning a QR code and monitoring its availability when importing goods by road. The DPP is submitted by the importing applicant or intermediary, who subsequently submits indirect tax returns for imported goods two days before the intended import. The document contains information about each delivery, including information about the parties to the transaction, the reasons for the delivery, the imported goods and permits, the vehicle, the expected date of import, the amount of the security payment and the grounds for exemption from payment, if any.
The QR code is a digital identifier of the confirmed delivery. When importing goods, customs conducts selective control, verifying the right to import. To confirm this right, carriers present a QR code at the request of customs officers.
Starting from April 1, 2026, as part of the pilot project, payment of a security payment is not required — the supervisory authority only records the fact that there is no additional payment. From July 1, 2026, making a security payment becomes mandatory. The absence of an ADD-on with a QR code is the basis for not allowing a car with goods into the territory of the Russian Federation.
Labeling of lubricants and instant drinks
On April 1, 2026, mandatory labeling and provision of information to the Honest Sign system for a number of products will come into force. In particular, turnover participants should provide information on retail sales, as well as on all cases of turnover and withdrawal from circulation of labeled lubricants and special automotive fluids.
Starting from the same date, participants in the turnover of individual instant brewed beverages are required to apply means of identification to the goods when they are put into circulation and provide relevant information to the Honest Mark.
New procedure for installment payment services
Federal Law No. 283-FZ of July 31, 2025, which regulates the activities of installment payment services and introduces strict requirements for their operators, as well as additional guarantees for users, comes into force on April 1, 2026. According to it, the operator of the installment payment service must have a minimum authorized capital of 5 million rubles and be included in the register maintained by the Bank of Russia. In addition, there are restrictions on the formation of the authorized capital of the operator.
Important installment payment terms are being introduced for users: from April 1, 2026, the maximum installment period cannot exceed 6 months, and from April 1, 2028 — 4 months. If the installment amount exceeds 50 thousand rubles, the operator is obliged to transmit information about it to the credit history bureau.
The law prohibits hidden fees and interest, while the cost of the product must fully correspond to the installment amount. Users retain the right to repay the debt ahead of schedule at any time without additional penalties or fees.
New procedure for assessing borrowers' solvency
The updated procedure for calculating the average monthly income and monthly payments by credit and microfinance institutions will come into force on April 1, 2026. According to the new rules, when deciding whether to grant a loan, banks will take into account only official documents confirming the borrower's income: tax returns, income and expense books for individual entrepreneurs and other legal sources.
Unofficial, "gray" income, one-time transfers from individuals and similar income will not be taken into account. If there is no data on the client's credit history, for example, if the borrower has not consented to its disclosure, the bank will automatically consider the debt burden to be 100%, which will actually lead to a refusal to issue a loan.
Changes in the amount of charges on consumer loans
On April 1, 2026, a federal law comes into force amending Part 24 of Article 5 of Federal Law No. 353‑FZ dated December 21, 2013 "On Consumer Credit (Loan)". According to the new provisions, after the amount of accrued interest under the consumer loan agreement reaches 100% of the loan amount, the lender no longer has the right to charge interest, penalties, fines or other liability measures, as well as to charge additional payments for services rendered to the borrower.
Until April 1, 2026, a higher limit was in effect — 130% of the loan amount. The innovation is aimed at protecting the rights of borrowers, preventing excessive debt burden and limiting overpayments on consumer loans.
The procedure for the export of cash currency from Russia
Starting from April 1, 2026, individuals are prohibited from exporting rubles in cash from the Russian Federation to the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union in the amount equivalent to $100 thousand at the exchange rate of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation on the date of export. For legal entities and individual entrepreneurs, such a ban applies regardless of the amount.
As an exception, cash can only be transported through international airports in Russia, provided that a bank statement on withdrawal of funds from the account is received in advance. Only credit organizations will be able to export rubles abroad without restrictions.
New requirements for disclosure of information on real estate transactions
On March 10, 2026, Rosfinmonitoring Order No. 13 dated January 26, 2026 entered into force, which establishes the obligation for organizations and individual entrepreneurs providing intermediary services in real estate purchase and sale transactions to provide information on transactions with cash and non‑cash funds. The obligation applies to transactions that exceed 5 million rubles or the equivalent of this amount in a foreign currency.
The submission of information to Rosfinmonitoring should begin after 15 working days after the entry into force of the order, that is, from April 1, 2026.
In order to correctly comply with the requirements of Rosfinmonitoring, it is recommended to adhere to the approaches outlined in the information letter No. 66 dated August 24, 2022.
Expanding the list of diseases for neonatal screening
On April 1, 2026, the updated list of diseases for which infants are examined immediately after birth comes into force. The new list includes: other metabolic disorders of aromatic amino acids (code E70.8 ICD‑10), including deficiency of aromatic L‑amino acid decarboxylase (AADC), as well as X‑linked adrenoleukodystrophy.
These changes are fixed in the order of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation dated December 19, 2025 No. 745n "On Amendments to paragraph 10 of the Procedure for providing medical care to patients with congenital and (or) hereditary diseases", approved by the order of the Ministry of Health dated April 21, 2022 No. 274n.
National medical research centers in the regions
On April 1, 2026, amendments to the law "On Health Protection" will come into force, consolidating the status of national medical research centers (NMITs). According to the amendments, the Government of the Russian Federation has been given the opportunity to assign this status not only to federal, but also to regional clinics that conduct medical activities and scientific research in certain areas, and also meet a number of criteria approved by the government.
National medical research centers will introduce modern methods of prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases, develop innovative technologies in medicine, conduct scientific research and provide high-tech medical care.
Acceptance of applications to the first class
From April 1, 2026, schools will begin accepting applications from parents to enroll their children in the first grade. The specific admission dates are determined by the educational organizations themselves.
At the first stage, which will last until June 30, enrollment takes place mainly at the place of residence, as well as for privileged categories of children. The possibility of admission to a school outside the place of residence opens on July 6, subject to availability of places.
Applications can be submitted in several ways: through the Gosuslugi portal, personally to the office of the educational institution, or by registered mail with a delivery notification. The Gosuslugi portal provides for the possibility of pre-filling out a draft application, which allows you to speed up the application process and increase the chances of enrollment in the chosen school, since priority is given to the order of application.
Check-in at the hotel via Gosuslugi
Starting from April 1, 2026, check-in at the hotel will be possible using the mobile application of the Gosuslugi unified portal or the MAX messenger. In this case, it will be enough to present on the smartphone screen the information contained in the citizen's identity document — a paper document is not required.
In addition to hotels, this method will be available for temporary registration in sanatoriums, campsites, rest homes, boarding houses, camp sites and other similar institutions.
Electronic submission of applications for registration of a child's citizenship
From April 26, 2026, legal representatives will be able to apply for citizenship acquired by a child by birth in electronic form. The application is still sent to the territorial body of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia or to the diplomatic mission or consular institution of the Russian Federation. Up to this date, the submission is possible only in paper form. The corresponding functionality will be available on the Gosuslugi portal.
In addition, the list of persons eligible to submit such an application has been expanded. Now they also include the adoptive parent and an authorized representative of the guardianship authority.
New status — "of interest to the Russian Federation"
Starting from April 15, 2026, certain categories of foreign citizens and stateless persons will be able to apply for a new status — "of interest to the Russian Federation." This status can be applied for by people who have achieved significant results in science, sports, manufacturing, the creative industry, cultural and humanitarian spheres or studies; have contributed to the development of society, economy, defense capability and security of the country; or have a particularly sought-after profession, high qualifications or unique skills.
After being granted the status of "of interest to the Russian Federation", a foreign citizen and his family members will be able to apply for a temporary residence permit or a residence permit in a simplified manner. To do this, they will not need to confirm their knowledge of the Russian language, and they are not subject to the quota established by the government of the Russian Federation. In addition, prior registration of a temporary residence permit is not required to obtain a residence permit.
The first GOST for dog-walking territories
On April 1, 2026, the first GOST begins to operate in Russia, regulating the organization of territories for walking, playing and training dogs. Previously, there were no uniform rules for such sites. GOST was developed by Rosstandart due to the growing number of pets, there are now from 17 million to 22 million, and the need to create a safe and convenient infrastructure for them.
According to the new standard:
- in settlements with a population of 10,000 to 100,000 people, there should be at least one training and one playground for every 10,000 inhabitants; in cities with a population of 100,000 to 1 million people, at least one training area for 150,000 people and one playground for 10,000 people; in cities with a population of one million — one training room for 300 thousand people and one game room for 20 thousand people;
- the minimum area of the playground is 200 square meters, for training — 1.5 thousand square meters. m.;
- The surface of the platforms must be covered with injury-proof materials.;
- It is recommended to green the play areas to create shade and improve the aesthetics of the territories. Requirements for lighting, zoning, and site equipment have been introduced.;
- The sites should be marked by navigation and fenced with a decorative fence up to 70 cm or a shrub. Waste disposal areas with containers and bag dispensers are provided.
GOST is primarily intended for organizations involved in the formation of the urban environment — local governments, developers and management companies. Residents of localities can contact these organizations if there are no appropriate dog-walking sites in their area.
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