Price Hikes On August 1

The August 1 2025 Price Increases: What legal rights you have and how a tax lawyer can help

As of August 1, 2025, Romania enters a new phase of fiscal pressure marked by increases in taxes, excise duties, social contributions, and regulated tariffs. These measures are part of a complex legislative framework through which the Government aims to boost budgetary revenues and reduce the fiscal deficit. The changes impact nearly all socio-economic sectors, from private companies and small businesses to freelancers, real estate investors, and participants in the gambling market.

The ever-changing legal landscape now requires the close involvement of a tax lawyer, vat lawyer, or company vat return expert to help interpret new obligations and rights for taxpayers. This is a time when specialized legal advice is essential to avoid severe fiscal consequences and legal gridlock.

What Changes on August 1: Taxes, VAT, Excise Duties, and Regulated Fees

From August 1, excise duties on fuel will increase, resulting in direct price hikes at the pump. This will impact households, transport companies, and distribution firms. These increases will trigger widespread cost hikes for products and services. Operational costs for companies will rise, and individual budgets will feel increased pressure. Consulting a tax lawyer or vat lawyer becomes necessary to optimize spending and ensure compliance with the updated fiscal codes.

Additionally, VAT on apartment sales will go up, directly affecting both real estate developers and buyers. This VAT increase will raise the final cost of housing. Real estate lawyer assistance will be essential for reviewing contractual clauses and adjusting tax strategies. Strong legal support is critical, as civil litigation lawyer services will likely be needed due to a surge in buyer, developer disputes, especially where weak contracts are in place.

The gambling sector is now subject to increased taxation and stricter regulations enforced by the National Office for Gambling. Every supplier in the casino or gambling industry must update their terms and conditions, increasing the cost per user. Access conditions for minors have been tightened, and combating fraud has become a legal priority.

New prohibition rules target risky behavior and natural person players who self-exclude. These changes influence how prizes, winnings, and odds are structured, across both online and physical casino platforms. For both supplier and natural person players, advice from a gambling lawyer or gaming attorney is now crucial to navigate new requirements and avoid compliance risks.

Liberal professionals, including doctors, accountants, and lawyers, will face higher health contributions (CASS). These individuals must re-calculate their finances to include the new rates, which now apply even to maternity benefits. This is controversial and places pressure on new family budgets.

Special pensions over 3000 RON are now subject to progressive taxation and additional contributions to the state. Those affected are advised to contact a tax lawyer for ways to contest or legally reduce their tax burden.

Contract Renegotiation: How Businesses Can React to Price Hikes

In the context of rapidly rising prices and frequent tax changes, companies have legal tools at their disposal to renegotiate existing commercial contracts. One of the recommended solutions is to include contractual clauses that allow for price adjustments based on future tax or economic developments after the agreement has been signed.

Clauses may also be introduced to adjust prices according to inflation indexes or in response to significant increases in costs such as energy and natural gas. In contracts involving the delivery of goods, these adjustments are critical for maintaining contractual balance, and the assistance of a tax lawyer or vat lawyer can be crucial in legally adapting such clauses.

Force majeure events such as armed conflicts, natural disasters, or international transport disruptions justify the renegotiation, suspension, or even termination of contracts, provided these scenarios were anticipated and included in the contractual clauses. A company VAT return may also be affected, and support from a specialized vat lawyer is advisable to manage related fiscal risks.

For contracts signed with public authorities, price adjustments are only possible if clear and detailed revision clauses were included in the initial procurement documentation. These clauses must specify the adjustment method, the economic indexes to be used, and their sources, ensuring the modifications remain transparent and justifiable.

When dealing with an unpaid invoice or business partners unable to meet their obligations, a debt recovery lawyer can assist in initiating legal recovery procedures and enforcing claims efficiently. Companies facing financial difficulty or insolvency due to the economic climate should consult with an insolvency lawyer to determine the most appropriate legal steps.

Therefore, businesses that proactively include these scenarios in their contracts and define renegotiation mechanisms can avoid disputes and safeguard their financial stability. Working with professionals such as a tax lawyer, vat lawyer, insolvency lawyer, or debt recovery lawyer, depending on the specific issue, can help companies stay resilient in a volatile economic environment.

SMEs at Risk: Insolvency, Contract Termination, and Legal Disputes

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are among the most vulnerable to these price hikes. A major risk is insolvency, especially when operational costs surpass revenues. The guidance of an insolvency lawyer is essential to access legal reorganization or liquidation procedures.

Contract cancellations may also increase, either because clients can no longer afford services or because contractual clauses are violated. Disputes with tax authorities are also on the rise, requiring SMEs to prepare for strict audits. A tax lawyer, insolvency lawyer, or debt recovery lawyer can assist in anticipating these threats and protecting liquidity.

Recovering an unpaid invoice becomes a top priority. Many companies must secure cash flow quickly to avoid financial collapse.

“In a volatile economy dominated by sharp price increases and fiscal instability, prevention through well-adapted contractual clauses and fast unpaid invoice recovery actions are vital. A tax lawyer, corporate lawyer, or debt recovery lawyer is no longer just a reactive solution, they are essential partners in protecting creditor interests and avoiding cash flow crises.” said the Managing Partener Dr. Radu Pavel of Pavel, Mărgărit & Associates Romanian Law Firm.

The wave of price hikes from August 1 affects more and more economic and social sectors. Whether it’s gambling, casino, prizes, winnings, property rights, insolvency, or unpaid invoice recovery, those involved must adapt quickly, renegotiating contracts, revising tax strategies, and seeking legal solutions.

The support of a vat lawyer, tax lawyer, insolvency lawyer, or civil litigation lawyer is essential for protecting the interests of both natural person clients and companies.

Pavel, Mărgărit and Associates Romanian Law Firm is one of the top law firms in Romania, offering high-quality legal services. Among the firm’s clients are major multinational and domestic companies. In 2024, its successful track record has brought it international recognition from the most prestigious legal directories and publications. Thus, Pavel, Mărgărit and Associates was ranked 3rd in Romania by Legal 500 for its exceptional expertise in business law. The firm is also recognized internationally by IFLR 1000 Financial and Corporate 2024 and is the only Romanian firm recommended by the Global Law Experts directory in London for Dispute Resolution. All relevant information about Pavel, Mărgărit and Associates Romanian Law Firm is available at www.avocatpavel.ro.