Biznes Fakty
Digital tax in Poland. Krzysztof Gawkowski: we know who we go to for money
„We know exactly where we’re turning for funding, and it’s not Polish firms,” stated Digital Affairs Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski during an interview with Tuesday’s „Dziennik Gazeta Prawna,” when questioned about the digital tax. Additionally, he anticipates that a proposal to amend the act regarding the national cybersecurity system will be presented at the government meeting in August.
During an inquiry from DGP reporters, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Affairs Krzysztof Gawkowski was asked if he had managed to persuade the Minister of Finance and Economy, Andrzej Domański, to implement a digital tax. „Minister Domański and I have agreed that the Ministry of Digital Affairs is currently working on the digital tax legislation, following which consultations will commence. The Prime Minister has authorized me to proceed,” Gawkowski highlighted. He further stated that the Ministry of Digital Affairs aims to assist the Ministry of Finance in enhancing the budget’s resources.
Gawkowski: We know who we go to for money
„I believe the digital tax addresses the issue of whether we consent to digital colonialism,” he remarked. Gawkowski assessed that „currently, we experience a shortfall in revenue from digital operations, as nations that adopted the digital tax one, two, three, or four years ago are already €20-30 billion ahead.”
He indicated that in Poland , the revenue from the digital tax could amount to PLN 1.7 billion in the first year at a 3% rate, PLN 2.6 billion at a 4.5% rate, and PLN 3.4 billion at a 6% rate. „During the consultation meeting (on August 13th – ed.), the proposed rates ranged from 3% to 15%. These rates will undergo further analysis. For me, starting at 3% is a reasonable approach,” he emphasized. He also pointed out that „a 2% tax is unviable as it will not contribute to the budget.”
According to data from a report commissioned by the ministry from the Instrat Foundation, „DGP” highlighted that the majority of the tax revenue is anticipated to come from the e-commerce sector, where Allegro stands as the largest company in Poland. „Companies that pay Polish CIT will benefit from deductions and tax incentives. This implies that Allegro will not incur more tax than other firms paying CIT in Poland. We know who we’re turning to for funding, and it’s not Polish companies,” Gawkowski responded.
WATCH MORE ON TVN24+: What would happen if Poland shut down X.com? Gawkowski: I am aware of the consequences >>>
Deputy Prime Minister: I am not only dealing with legislation, but also with the market
The Deputy Prime Minister was also inquired about the status of amending the Act on the National Cybersecurity System (KSC). Noting that the government’s efforts in this area are „progressing slowly,” Gawkowski stressed that he is „not only focused on legislation but also on market dynamics.” „I anticipate that the KSC will be presented at the cabinet meeting in August,” he added.
„I understand that some individuals are concerned about having to replace equipment from high-risk suppliers. I acknowledge this, and that’s why we’ve planned several years for preparations. Including the legislative hiatus and the period needed to carry out the procedure, this will extend into 2032-2033. By then, many of those who are protesting today will have replaced their network equipment,” he stated.
Gawkowski on the implementation of DSA
Gawkowski also revealed that an amendment to the Act on the Provision of Electronic Services, aimed at implementing the European Digital Services Act (DSA), was submitted for the government meeting on August 14th. He emphasized that the amendment introduced modifications, including the list of content subject to online blocking, which, as „DGP” noted, had led to allegations of censorship. „We made adjustments. Extensive consultations and a public hearing were conducted. Our goal was to reach an agreement with the public at all costs (…),” he stressed.
