Tax card (verokortti)

Detailed explanation

The Finnish tax system operates on a pay-as-you-earn basis, meaning taxes are withheld from your salary throughout the year rather than paid as a lump sum. Your tax card contains the percentage rates your employer needs: a basic rate for your regular income up to a specified limit, and an additional rate for income exceeding that limit. The rates are calculated based on your estimated annual income, deductions, and personal circumstances.

The Tax Administration issues a new tax card at the beginning of each year, typically in January. The initial card is calculated based on your previous year's income data. If your income situation changes significantly during the year (new job, raise, unemployment, side income), you should update your tax card to avoid paying too much or too little tax. Underpayment leads to back taxes, while overpayment means waiting for a refund the following year.

Tax cards in Finland are now fully electronic. You no longer receive a physical card; instead, your employer retrieves your tax information directly from the Tax Administration's systems. However, you can view and print your tax card details through OmaVero if needed for your records.

How it affects expats

• •First tax card: Apply through OmaVero or visit a Tax Administration office when starting your first job

• •Finnish personal ID required: You need a Finnish personal identity code (henkilotunnus) to get a tax card

• •Multiple employers: If you have several jobs, you need to allocate your income limit between employers

• •Freelance income: Separate tax card needed for freelance work alongside employment

• •International income: Report foreign income to ensure accurate withholding rates

How to get your tax card

• Register with DVV and obtain your Finnish personal identity code

• Log in to OmaVero at vero.fi using bank credentials or mobile certificate

• Apply for a tax card by providing estimated income for the year

• Your employer automatically receives the electronic tax card information

• Update your card through OmaVero if your income changes significantly

Related terms

• •Payslip (Palkkalaskelma) — A breakdown of your salary, deductions, and payments for a pay period

• •OmaVero (MyTax) — The Finnish Tax Administration's online service for taxes, filings, and messages

• •Hetu — The Finnish personal identity code used by authorities and many services

• •Tax at source (Lähdevero) — A withholding tax often applied to non-residents