You work for clients abroad and the money has landed in your foreign-currency account — but now you don’t know which tax you pay, when, and under which model? Freelancers in Serbia have a special self-assessment regime that differs from the flat-rate tax, and choosing the right model directly affects how much you hand over to the state. Below we explain the models, standardized expenses, quarterly deadlines, and when it even makes sense to consider the flat-rate tax.

Who is considered a freelancer for tax purposes

In tax terms, a freelancer is a natural person who earns income based on a contracted fee — most often from clients abroad, but also from within the country — without a registered company or sole proprietorship. The key feature of this regime is self-assessment: the Tax Administration does not send you an assessment notice; instead, you are required to calculate, report, and pay the tax and contributions yourself. This applies to both Serbian and foreign nationals who earn income in this way in Serbia.

Two self-assessment models: A and B

The law provides for two models, and you choose whichever suits you better — and you can switch from one quarter to the next. The difference lies in the amount of standardized expenses and in the tax rate.

Model A is usually more favorable for lower income. A fixed standardized expense (a tax-free amount) is recognized per quarter, and on income above that threshold you pay tax at a rate of 20%, plus contributions. As of 1 February 2026, this amount is 110,647 dinars per quarter (in 2025 it was 107,738 dinars).

Model B is usually more favorable for higher income. A fixed standardized expense increased by 34% of gross income is recognized, and tax at a lower rate of 10% is paid on the remainder, plus contributions. As of 1 February 2026, the fixed portion is 66,733 dinars per quarter (in 2025 it was 64,979 dinars).

Model A — standardized expense 110,647 RSD/quarter, tax 20%
Model B — standardized expense 66,733 RSD + 34% of income, tax 10%
The amounts are adjusted once a year, as of 1 February

Contributions: PIO and health insurance

In addition to tax, contributions are also calculated on the tax base. The rate for pension and disability insurance (PIO) is 24% and is mandatory under both models. The contribution for health insurance is 10.3%, but it is paid only if you are not already insured on another basis — for example, as an employee or an entrepreneur. This is an important detail: if you have a permanent full-time job, you most likely do not pay the health contribution on freelance income.

You should also keep in mind the minimum base for contributions: if your calculated base is lower than the legally prescribed minimum, contributions are nevertheless calculated on that minimum in order to preserve your status in pension insurance.

Quarterly returns: deadlines and form

Freelance income is reported quarterly, within 30 days of the end of the quarter. The return is filed electronically, on the PP OPO-K form, via the Tax Administration’s specialized portal (Freelancers) or via the ePorezi portal. For example, the income return for the first quarter of 2026 had to be filed by 30 April 2026.

Q1 (January–March) — deadline 30 days after the end of the quarter (e.g. 30 April)
Q2 (April–June) — deadline 30 days after the end of the quarter
Q3 (July–September) — deadline 30 days after the end of the quarter
Q4 (October–December) — deadline 30 days after the end of the quarter

The portal offers a calculator that helps you compute your liability, and after a successful filing the system generates a payment slip with a QR code for easier payment via mobile banking. If you fail to file the return on time, interest and possible liability for an offense will follow.

Freelance self-assessment vs. the flat-rate tax

Many freelancers at some point wonder whether to switch to flat-rate taxation, that is, to open a sole proprietorship. These are two entirely different regimes:

Freelance self-assessment — a natural person, without registering a company, reporting quarterly, with the liability depending on the income earned in that quarter. There is no fixed monthly cost if there is no income.
Flat-rate tax (flat-rate entrepreneur) — a business registered with the APR, a fixed monthly liability determined by the Tax Administration regardless of how much you have earned, with an annual turnover limit. You issue invoices and have a PIB.

Rough logic: if income is irregular or low, the freelance regime is often more flexible because you pay only when you earn. If income is stable and higher, the flat-rate tax can be more cost-effective and gives you entrepreneur status (easier invoicing, contracting with companies, continuity in contributions). The specific calculation depends on the level of income, the business activity, and whether you are insured on another basis, so it is worth comparing both options before deciding.

Key takeaways

Freelance income goes through self-assessment — you calculate and report it yourself; the Tax Administration does not send an assessment notice.
You choose between Model A (standardized expense 110,647 RSD, tax 20%) and Model B (66,733 RSD + 34%, tax 10%) — as of 1 February 2026.
The PIO contribution is 24% under both models; health 10.3% only if you are not insured on another basis.
The return is quarterly, on the PP OPO-K form, due 30 days after the end of the quarter, filed electronically via the portal.
The flat-rate tax is a separate regime with a fixed monthly liability — it can be more cost-effective with stable, higher income.

Amounts and rates change from year to year, so before filing always check the current figures on the Tax Administration’s portal. If you need help choosing a model or filing your quarterly return, get in touch with us.