Sole trader (toiminimi) taxation in Finland 2026: how it works

A toiminimi’s profit is taxed as the entrepreneur’s personal income. We explain how the income is split into capital and earned income, what YEL and prepaid tax mean, and what you can deduct.

Updated 2026-06-21

How is a toiminimi’s profit taxed?

Taxable profit is income minus deductible expenses. The Tax Administration automatically deducts a 5% entrepreneur allowance (yrittäjävähennys) and divides the rest into capital and earned income.

Capital income and earned income

By default, 20% of the return on the company’s net assets is treated as capital income (you may also choose 10% or 0%). Capital-income tax is 30% up to €30,000 and 34% above that. The rest is taxed as earned income on the progressive scale: state income tax, municipal tax, health insurance contribution and possibly church tax.

The figures are for 2026 and indicative. Confirm your own situation with an accountant.

You don’t pay yourself a salary

In a toiminimi you don’t pay yourself a salary — you take money out as private withdrawals (yksityisotto). Withdrawals are not a deductible expense and don’t reduce taxable profit: you are taxed on the whole profit regardless of how much you withdrew.

YEL — self-employed pension insurance

YEL is mandatory if you are 18 or over, the activity lasts more than 4 months, and your estimated YEL work income is at least €9,423.09 per year (2026). The YEL contribution is about 24.4% of the work income, and a new entrepreneur gets a 22% discount for the first 48 months. YEL work income also determines your pension and your sickness and parental allowances — so don’t underestimate it.

Prepaid tax (ennakkovero)

You pay tax in advance based on estimated profit, in prepaid-tax instalments via OmaVero. If your income changes, you can adjust the prepaid tax during the year to avoid a back tax or over-paying.

What can you deduct?

  • Purchases and supplies related to the business.
  • Tools and software.
  • Travel and car costs for work trips.
  • Phone and internet for the work-use share.
  • A workroom or part of your home.
  • Insurance and YEL contributions.

VAT separately

In addition to income tax, you may be liable for VAT if your turnover exceeds €20,000 in a calendar year. VAT is reported separately in OmaVero — see our VAT guide for details.

Help with toiminimi taxation

We handle the bookkeeping, VAT returns and prepaid tax, and make sure you deduct everything legally — in your language. You see your situation in real time in Vaavo.

Frequently asked questions

How much tax does a toiminimi pay?
There is no single rate: profit is split into capital income (30/34%) and earned income (progressive) after a 5% deduction. The final tax depends on profit and net assets.
Do I pay myself a salary?
No. In a toiminimi you take money out as private withdrawals, and you are taxed on the whole business profit regardless of the amount withdrawn.
Is YEL mandatory?
Yes, if your YEL work income is at least €9,423.09 (2026) and the other conditions are met. The contribution is about 24.4%, and a new entrepreneur gets a 22% discount for 48 months.
What can a toiminimi deduct?
Business-related expenses: supplies, tools, travel, phone, a workroom, insurance and YEL. Keep your receipts and vouchers.

Need help?

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