Biznes Fakty
New tax office target
The Ministry of Finance is currently evaluating modifications to the trade tax, as reported by the daily „Rzeczpospolita” in its Thursday issue. An increase in rates as well as the incorporation of e-commerce into the tax framework are under consideration. This latter change could favor major companies from China.
The retail sales tax was enacted in 2021 and presently applies to large physical retail chains. According to the Ministry of Finance, this is – as noted by „Rz” – an inadequate measure.
Potential changes to the trade tax?
„Rzeczpospolita,” referencing a source affiliated with the ministry, indicates that officials believe many companies are evading this tax by emphasizing the growth of online sales, which is why a crucial amendment to the legislation is to incorporate e-commerce into the new obligations.
„At present, businesses operating physical stores pay 0.8 percent of the retail sales tax on revenues ranging from PLN 17 million to PLN 170 million monthly, while a rate of 1.4 percent is levied on higher amounts,” as noted in Thursday’s „Rz”.
The daily highlights that this year it is expected to contribute PLN 4.9 billion to the budget, and this figure is consistently increasing. „The largest contributors are prominent chains like Biedronka and Lidl. The Ministry of Finance has stated it is reviewing the turnover tax, but our sources suggest that changes are unavoidable. Anticipated revenues from taxing major e-commerce sellers could reach several hundred million złoty annually, potentially surpassing PLN 1 billion,” it reports.
Chinese platforms emerge as the „true beneficiaries”
Mateusz Jeżyk, president of Sales Intelligence (Digitree Group), mentioned in the newspaper that Chinese platforms such as Temu or AliExpress, while technically liable for VAT in Poland, effectively sidestep portions of customs and tax obligations through various strategies and by dividing shipments into smaller parcels.
– Under the current tax system, they will emerge as the real beneficiaries. Polish retailers will face additional burdens, while Chinese sellers will continue to offer low prices, exploiting systemic and procedural advantages – he assessed.
