Temporary increase in ROT and RUT deductions

From July 1st until December 31st, the cap on so-called ROT deductions is higher than normal and instead of a combined cap of 75,000 kronor for RUT and ROT together, individual caps are in place. This means that taxpayers are able to deduct a maximum of 75,000 kronor for RUT and a further 75,000 kronor for ROT work for 2024 as a whole.

Sweden’s so-called ROT deduction offers tax reductions for the labour cost of repairs, conversion or extension work. It is closely linked to the RUT deduction, which offers similar discounts for domestic work, like cleaning, garden work, childminding or laundry services.

Increased powers to locate people evading prosecution

This new law makes it possible for authorities to secretly monitor electronic communication and data if it is deemed necessary in order to find a wanted individual, as well as making it easier for authorities to find foreigners who they deem to be a risk to Swedish security.

It can only be used to aid the enforcement of sentences for people who have been sentenced to prison, forensic psychiatric care or closed youth care.

Landlords’ power to evict tenants

Building owners as of July 1st have increased powers to terminate the leases of tenants who have committed crimes in their apartment or the surrounding residential area.

Denying the Holocaust becomes illegal

Sweden’s hate crimes laws have been tightened up to specifically include Holocaust denial among the offences as of July 1st. The country’s freedom of press constitution is also set to undergo the same changes, but they won’t come into effect until January 1st, 2027.

Abolishing requirement for business owners to keep original accounting records

Businesses are no longer required to keep the originals of any paper accounting documents, if documents have been digitalised.

Changes to Sweden’s parental leave laws

The number of days on which both parents are allowed to take parental leave at the same time (so-called dubbeldagar, “double days”) is now 60 days rather than 30. Parents may claim these days by the 15th month of the child’s life.

Mums or dads may now also give some of their parental leave days to, for example, a grandparent. That applies to a maximum of 45 days, or 90 days for single parents.

Students’ own choice of subject scrapped in shools

The subject elevens val (“student’s choice” – a lesson where students are free to choose which subject to study) has been scrapped, with the hours instead used on subjects covering science and society.

Better information for car buyers

When selling new passenger cars, information on fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions must be clearly visible at or near the point of sale. New car adverts also have to contain this information.

Pensioners born 1957 to get their money back

Pensioners born in 1957 will be compensated for a law change that meant their age group lost out on tax cuts, thanks to a campaign by one of The Local’s readers, Hugh O’Brian.

People entitled to the money should receive it in early July without applying.

Plastic caps directive comes into force

A new EU directive comes into force in Sweden from July 2nd, which states that plastic caps must be attached to their bottles or cartons so that they can’t be screwed off. This applies to containers under three litres, but not to plastic caps on glass or metal bottles.