Taxes and insurance contributions in seconds: CNB launches instant payments for public institutions

It is now possible to pay taxes, fees, insurance contributions and other state contributions within seconds – on weekdays, weekends and public holidays. As of 18 November, tax authorities, the social security administration, health insurers and other institutions holding an account with the Czech National Bank accept instant payments.

The launch of incoming instant payments marks another step in the gradual digitalisation of CNB services. “We are responding to the needs of the public and businesses, making it easier and faster for them to meet their obligations to various public authorities and institutions,” said CNB Bank Board member Karina Kubelková. In addition to tax authorities, the Czech Social Security Administration and health insurance companies, CNB clients include ministries, the customs administration, schools and kindergartens, the police, fire brigades, hospitals and other state institutions and public organisations.

“We consider the Czech National Bank’s introduction of incoming instant payments a positive step that will make communication with our clients much easier and faster. The option of having a payment credited instantly to the Czech Social Security Administration’s account will be particularly appreciated by those who need their affairs settled promptly. We believe our clients will welcome this new service,” said František Boháček, Director General of the Czech Social Security Administration.

“In the area of taxation, this development is particularly important where an individual or company must obtain confirmation or another document from the tax office, for which an administrative fee is payable,” said Simona Hornochová, Director General of the Financial Administration of the Czech Republic. “After the abolition of revenue stamps, practical problems arose due to delays in crediting payments to accounts held with the CNB. The Financial Administration therefore had to set up tax cash desks at all regional offices, limited to accepting administrative fees, fines and similar types of payments. From now on, anyone whose bank supports instant payments will be able to pay not only the administrative fee but also tax on the spot – literally at the last minute. The payment will appear in the tax office’s account at the CNB within seconds. This reduces the risk of delay and eliminates waiting and uncertainty over weekends or public holidays. The procedure remains unchanged: the same tax office account number and the correct variable symbol, with QR codes available at tax offices and on the My Taxes portal. When paying taxes, it is of course important to check whether the taxpayer’s bank supports instant payments and what the limit is,” added Simona Hornochová.

Instant payments are fast, secure and reliable. They are also highly accessible in the Czech Republic, with 99% of consumers having access to them. The system is operated by the CNB and a further 15 banks offer instant payments to their clients as well. In addition to individuals, instant payments are increasingly used by small businesses and e-commerce operators. For these users, the benefits include not only speed and reliability but also lower costs compared with other payment methods (for example, card payments).

The first instant interbank payment was made in November 2018. In October 2025, an average of 1.65 million instant payments were processed daily, accounting for 41% of all interbank transfers – and the numbers continue to rise. For comparison, the daily average in October 2024 was 1.28 million, and in October 2023 it was 1.04 million.

Instant payments – average daily numbers

Data source: CNB

Petra Vlčková
CNB spokesperson