 # How a Startup Can Legally Save Up to 500,000 RUB on Taxes in May — A Step-by-Step Plan May 2026 is the last month to restructure your startup's tax strategy before the tax reform takes full effect. While everyone is panicking, let's break down three legal mechanisms that actually work. ## 1. Amnesty for Tax Debts for Individual Entrepreneurs and Individuals Since 2026, a tax amnesty is in effect — penalties and fines on debts incurred before 2024 will be written off. If you have outstanding debts on insurance premiums or taxes for 2022–2023, May is the last deadline to file amended returns and qualify for the amnesty. Savings: up to 200,000 RUB on penalties and fines. ## 2. Moratorium on First VAT Violations For startups on the Simplified Tax System (STS) that became VAT payers in 2026, there is a moratorium on liability for first violations. If you made an error in your VAT return for the first quarter of 2026, you have the right to correct it without a fine. Savings: up to 120,000 RUB (40% of the underpayment amount — the standard fine under Article 122 of the Tax Code of the Russian Federation). ## 3. Optimization by Changing the Tax Object Since 2026, under the STS, you can change the tax object ("Income" → "Income minus expenses") once a year, instead of once every three years. If your startup's operating expenses (rent, salaries, advertising) have increased, recalculating the rate from 6% to 15% of the difference yields direct savings. Savings: up to 180,000 RUB per year with a turnover of 3 million RUB. ## Total Savings Three steps = up to 500,000 RUB that stay in the business instead of going to fines and penalties. ## How AI Helps with This At ASI Biont, we developed an AI agent, Hugo — it analyzes your tax reports in 60 seconds and highlights risks and optimization opportunities. Not generic advice, but a personalized analysis based on your OGRN (Primary State Registration Number). Start: 1,500 tokens on board for each new user. No promo codes needed — just register. → https://asibiont.com/