Poland Eyes Drastic Cut to Flat-Tax Revenue Limit, Threatening Entrepreneurs
Translated from Polish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- The Polish government plans to significantly reduce the revenue limit for businesses eligible for the flat-rate tax (ryczałt) from 2 million euros to 250,000 euros annually.
- This change will force many entrepreneurs, including doctors, IT specialists, and construction workers, to switch to a progressive or linear tax scale, potentially increasing their tax and health insurance contributions.
- Experts are advising entrepreneurs on how to navigate these upcoming changes and remain on the flat-rate tax system if possible.
Polish entrepreneurs face a significant shift in tax regulations as the government proposes to drastically lower the revenue threshold for the flat-rate tax system, known as 'ryczałt'. The current limit of 2 million euros per year is slated to be reduced to just 250,000 euros (approximately 1 million Polish zloty), a move that could compel many business owners to abandon the favorable tax scheme.
This proposed change threatens to impact a wide range of professionals, including doctors, IT specialists, financial analysts, intermediaries, construction workers, and sales professionals. Forcing these entrepreneurs onto either the standard progressive tax scale or a linear PIT will likely result in higher income tax payments and increased health insurance contributions. Additionally, some may become subject to the solidarity tax.
Experts are providing guidance to help entrepreneurs understand the implications of these changes and explore strategies to potentially retain their eligibility for the ryczałt system. The article suggests that there are ways to avoid being excluded from this tax regime, even with the reduced revenue cap. This proactive approach aims to mitigate the financial impact on businesses and self-employed individuals in Poland.
Originally published by Rzeczpospolita in Polish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.