Hungary is taking another bold step in its fight against VAT fraud with the introduction of a nationwide e-cash register and e-receipt system.
Read more in our Hungarian VAT guide.
Following the success of the 2014 online cash register rollout—which significantly boosted declared revenues—the new system is designed to increase transparency, reduce administrative burdens, and modernize financial transactions.
Electronic cash registers
ePénztárgép (“electronic cash register”) is a new piece of software that allows for the creation of electronic as well as paper receipts. It is available in two formats:
Incorporated into a new generation of cash registers, to be used by businesses that are required to issue machine generated receipts; or
Cloud based, available as a mobile phone application, to be used by businesses that so far have been creating receipts by hand
Voluntary launch; mandatory 2026
From July 2025, businesses will be able to voluntarily adopt e-cash registers approved by the National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV). These devices, which transmit receipts in real time to the tax authority, will gradually replace traditional online registers. Full implementation of the e-receipt system is scheduled for 1 September 2026, after which compliance will become mandatory. Until 1 July 2028, existing online registers may still be used, ensuring a smooth transition.
Companies will need to adapt their IT and accounting systems to meet new requirements, but in return, they can expect reduced costs. Unlike traditional registers that require annual servicing, e-cash registers only need maintenance on demand—saving up to 25,000 forints annually per business. Moreover, the legal obligation to store paper receipts will disappear, as NAV will archive digital receipts securely for 10 years.
Importantly, NAV has confirmed that the system safeguards consumer privacy, ensuring no personal data is shared with tax authorities or businesses.