Hungary's tax authority will deploy AI-powered systems to detect fraudulent companies before they file returns, targeting high-risk sectors while maintaining supportive measures for compliant businesses following over 132,000 inspections in 2025.
Hungary’s tax authority, the National Tax and Customs Office (NAV) will significantly expand its use of artificial intelligence and risk analysis to identify fraudulent taxpayers in 2026, NAV President Ferenc Vágujhelyi stated on 20 February 2026.
The tax authority now operates on a fundamentally data-driven approach, analysing online invoices, cash register transactions, eKÁER logistics data, and international financial information through AI-supported systems. This technology enables NAV to flag suspicious companies—those with minimal staff, no equipment, or fictitious business addresses—at the invoice stage, potentially triggering audits before tax returns are even filed.
In 2025, NAV completed over 132,000 inspections, with more than 20% resulting in supportive guidance rather than penalties. Through 9,000 supportive procedures and 21,000 supportive inspections, taxpayers voluntarily declared approximately HUF 60 billion in previously unreported taxes.
This year’s audit plan targets companies operating on member loans for extended periods, businesses with perpetually deductible VAT, entities functioning without employees, event organisers, courier services, e-commerce platforms, and influencers hiding income. High-risk sectors include construction, automotive parts trading, IT products, online retail, and excise goods.
Customs operations will concentrate on non-EU trade compliance, sanctions enforcement, and product safety. Financial guards will inspect shipments flagged through eKAER, toll systems, and camera detection for illegal tobacco and other contraband.
The NAV President highlighted that the agency maintains a balanced approach: cooperative taxpayers are provided with support and assistance in data reconciliation, while deliberate violators are met with prompt, targeted enforcement to safeguard compliant businesses and public revenues.
