Sweden has a high rate of personal taxation, with taxes being payable at municipality level and also at national level for those people earning above a minimum threshold. Anyone who lives and works in Sweden must register as a taxpayer there, and is required to file an annual income tax return. Permanent residents pay tax on their worldwide income and capital gains, while temporary residents pay tax only on Swedish sources of income and capital gains.

A progressive tax system is in operation, with tax being payable at between 26% and 35% to the municipality in which the taxpayer is resident. Everyone earning above SEK 298,600 (2005 threshold) is also required to pay national tax at a rate of between 20% and 25%, depending on their income level.

Tax is also payable on unemployment benefits, pensions and other sources of income.

No personal income tax is payable on earnings below SEK 16,700 per annum. Foreign personnel with technical or scientific skills that are scarce in Sweden are exempt from tax on the first 25% of their income, for a maximum period of ten years. People in this category also receive other tax-free benefits.

VAT is payable on almost all goods and services in Sweden, usually at 25% of the price, and excise duty is payable on some items such as alcohol and tobacco.

Net wealth tax is payable on assets including real estate, bank deposits, bonds and shares, and property tax must be paid by anyone owning a property or land or Sweden.