In Cuba the tax man cometh, slowly

Cubans walk on a street in Havana, Cuba, June 7, 2016. REUTERS/Enrique de la Osa

HAVANA (Reuters) - Some 1.5 million more Cuban state workers will contribute to social security next month, with some paying income tax for the first time since the 1959 revolution as a law passed as part of efforts to modernize the economy gradually goes into effect.

The workers, mainly in industry, will pay a 5 percent social security tax on income over 500 pesos per month and income tax of 3 percent to 5 percent on earnings over 2,500 pesos per month, Cuban state media said on Friday.