Pay Your Russian Taxes Guilt-Free: New Sanctions License Issued
Published Date: 1/20/2026
Rule
Summary
The U.S. Treasury just made it official: U.S. people and companies can keep paying certain taxes, fees, and get permits in Russia for their usual business until January 9, 2026. This update replaces an older license and helps folks avoid breaking sanctions while doing everyday stuff in Russia. But watch out—some financial moves with Russia’s big banks are still off-limits!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Routine Russia Business Payments Allowed
If you are a U.S. person or an entity owned or controlled by a U.S. person doing business in Russia, you are authorized to pay taxes, fees, and import duties and to purchase or receive permits, licenses, registrations, certifications, or tax refunds that would otherwise be prohibited by Directive 4. This authorization applies only to transactions that are ordinarily incident and necessary to day-to-day operations in the Russian Federation and is valid through 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time, January 9, 2026.
No Authorization to Deal With Blocked Persons
GL 13O does not authorize any transactions otherwise prohibited by the Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations (31 CFR part 587), including transactions involving any person blocked under those regulations. You cannot rely on this license to transact with blocked persons unless you have a separate authorization.
Debits to Russian Central Bank Accounts Prohibited
This general license does not allow any debit to an account on the books of a U.S. financial institution belonging to the Central Bank of the Russian Federation, the National Wealth Fund of the Russian Federation, or the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation. That prohibition remains in place despite the other authorizations in GL 13O (effective September 29, 2025).
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-11417 — Notice of OFAC Sanctions Action
The U.S. Treasury’s OFAC just added Amir Hossein Rad from Iran to its sanctions blacklist, blocking all his U.S.-related property and banning Americans from doing business with him. At the same time, some folks got their names removed from the list, meaning their assets are now unblocked. These changes took effect on June 2, 2026, so watch out for new rules and restrictions that could impact money and deals fast!
2026-11042 — Notice of OFAC Sanctions Action
The U.S. Treasury’s OFAC just added new people from Iran to its sanctions blacklist, meaning their U.S.-based assets are frozen and Americans can’t do business with them. This move, effective May 29, 2026, targets individuals linked to terrorism and blocks their property under strict rules. If you’re a U.S. person, watch out—these changes could affect your transactions and financial dealings immediately.
2026-10977 — Notice of OFAC Sanctions Actions
The U.S. Treasury’s OFAC just removed some people from its Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List, meaning their property and money are no longer blocked by the U.S. government. This change took effect on May 28, 2026, freeing up assets that were previously frozen. If you had business or money tied to these folks, now’s the time to know they’re officially unblocked!
2026-10518 — Notice of OFAC Sanctions Action
The U.S. Treasury’s OFAC just blocked the property of Jesus Alonso Aispuro Felix from Mexico for his role in illegal drug trade and terrorism. This means U.S. people and businesses can’t do any deals with him, and his assets under U.S. control are frozen starting May 20, 2026. It’s a big move to stop bad actors and protect the global community from crime and terror.
2026-10431 — Notice of OFAC Sanctions Action
The U.S. Treasury’s OFAC just updated its sanctions list on May 21, 2026. Some people and groups had their assets unblocked and were removed from the blacklist, while others got added and now have their property frozen. This means U.S. folks can’t do business with the newly blocked, and those unblocked can finally access their assets again.
2026-10432 — Notice of OFAC Sanctions Action
The U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) just added new people to its blacklist, meaning their money and property in the U.S. are frozen. Americans can’t do business with these folks anymore, starting May 21, 2026. This move aims to stop bad actors from using the U.S. financial system and protect national security.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-00932 — Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Starting February 19, 2026, the SE 17th Street Bridge in Fort Lauderdale will open less often during weekday rush hours to help ease car traffic jams. Boat captains and drivers who use this bridge will notice the new schedule, which balances smooth sailing with smoother driving. No extra costs are involved—just smarter timing to keep everyone moving.
Next: 2026-00947 — Publication of Russian Harmful Foreign Activities Sanctions Regulations Web General License 129
The U.S. Treasury is giving a special OK for certain business deals with two Russian companies, Rosneft Deutschland GmbH and RN Refining & Marketing GmbH, until April 29, 2026. This means some transactions that were usually banned are now allowed—but only with these companies, not their blocked affiliates. If you’re involved with these firms, you’ve got a clear green light for a limited time to keep things moving.