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May SME Compass: What Should Business Leaders Be Watching for in the Spring of 2026?

Gazdaság, KKV Stratégia
May 15, 2026 by
Bence Pler

For the Hungarian SME sector, the spring season is not just about renewal, but also about major financial closings and decisions that will shape the rest of the year. In this post, we’ve compiled the most important milestones that no responsible business leader can afford to overlook in May 2026.

"The Big May Push" – Important Deadlines

May 31 is a red-letter day on the calendar for every accountant and manager. It marks the official close of the 2025 fiscal year.

  • Filing your annual report: This is your company’s “report card.” Your partners, your bank, and your competitors will all use it to see how your year went. A well-organized dashboard can be a huge help!

  • Tax Returns (TAO and HIPA): Don’t forget—you can still optimize your tax liability at the last minute by designating your corporate tax for a specific purpose (e.g., sports sponsorship)!

ESG: No longer just for the "big players"

Many people believe that sustainability reporting (ESG) applies only to multinational corporations. This is a huge misconception.

If your company is a supplier to a large corporation (whether in the automotive industry, food retail, or construction), you will be asked to provide data as part of the supply chain due diligence process:

  1. What is your company's carbon footprint?

  2. How do you manage waste (EPR obligations)?

  3. Do you meet the increasingly strict ethical standards?

Digitalization: The AI Act and Efficiency

By 2026, the European Union’s Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act) had come into full effect.

  • What does this mean for you? If you use AI-based software (for customer management, recruitment, or manufacturing), check with your provider for a statement of compliance.

  • The opportunity: Take advantage of the current GINOP Plus digitalization grants! It has never been easier to finance automation with external funding.

  • Remember, if you have any questions or want to continue digitizing, our Assessment Package is just what you need!

Macroeconomic Outlook and Exchange Rates

Fluctuations in the forint exchange rate remain a challenge. If you export or import, don’t leave currency risk to chance!

Things to keep in mind:

  • According to the MNB’s latest inflation report, stabilization is proceeding more slowly than expected.

  • It’s worth reviewing your long-term energy contracts, as market prices may be more favorable now than they were 12 months ago.

A Guide for May

Don’t just look at the numbers in the report—look for the trends behind them! If your profitability has declined, digitalization or energy efficiency could be the key to turning things around.

Are you ready for the May 31 deadline? Let us know in the comments what your biggest challenge has been this year!


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