Publication date: 22.08.2024
How to refund taxes in Poland: step-by-step instructions for Ukrainians
Every Ukrainian who officially works in Poland is entitled to a refund of part of the taxes paid. This is an opportunity to receive additional funds that is worth taking advantage of. Let's take a closer look at the tax refund process and its specifics for Ukrainians in Poland.
Who is eligible for a tax refund
Before you start the tax refund process, it is important to understand who is eligible.
Categories of persons who can get a tax refund in Poland:
- Officially employed Ukrainians with a work permit
- Persons who have a residence card
- Students who work during their studies
- Seasonal workers with appropriate permits
It is important to note that only those who are officially employed and pay taxes in Poland are eligible for a tax refund. If you are working unofficially, you will unfortunately not be able to use this opportunity.
Question
What documents are required for a tax refund in Poland?
Answer
To get a tax refund in Poland, you need to prepare the following documents: an annual tax return PIT-37 or PIT-36 issued by your employer; an identity document (passport or pobyt card); an IBAN bank account number for receiving funds; documents confirming the right to tax benefits (if any). You may also need a legal analysis of the documents to check their correctness and completeness.
Stages of the tax refund process
The tax refund process in Poland consists of several important stages. Let us consider them in detail so that you can go through the entire procedure efficiently.
The main stages of tax refund:
- Collection of necessary documents
- Filling out a tax return
- Submission of the declaration to the tax authority
- Waiting for consideration and decision making
- Receiving funds to the bank account
It is worth noting that at each stage you may need a legal analysis of a situation to avoid mistakes and delays in the process. This is especially true when filling out a tax return, where even a minor mistake can lead to a refund denial.
Peculiarities of filling out a tax return
Filling out a tax return is one of the most important stages of the tax refund process. The success of the entire procedure depends on the correctness and completeness of the filling.
- Important aspects when filling out the declaration:
- Verification of all personal data
- Entering the correct tax identification number (NIP)
- Provide detailed information about income and taxes paid
- Taking into account all possible benefits and deductions
If you are not confident in your knowledge of Polish tax law, we recommend that you seek lawyer's consultation. This will help you avoid mistakes and maximize your refund.
Deadlines for filing a tax return and receiving funds
Knowing the deadlines is critical for a successful tax refund. Failure to meet the deadlines may result in the loss of the right to a refund.
Key dates for tax refunds:
- Submission of the tax return: by April 30 of the year following the reporting year
- Term for consideration of the declaration by the tax authority: up to 3 months
- Refund: within 45 days after a positive decision is made
It is important not to delay the filing of the tax return, as the sooner you submit it, the sooner you will receive the funds. If you have any doubts about the timing, you should use the online lawyer service to get the latest information.
Possible tax benefits for Ukrainians
Ukrainians working in Poland are entitled to various tax benefits that can significantly increase the amount of tax refund.
Popular tax benefits:
Child tax credit
Tax exemption for single parents
Tax credit for young employees (under 26 years old)
Tax exemption for charitable contributions
Medical expenses allowance
In order to maximize the use of all available benefits, it is recommended to seek a legal opinion of a lawyer. This will help you determine which benefits you are entitled to and how to properly document them in your tax return.
Question
What should I do if the tax office refused to refund my taxes?
Answer
If the tax authorities refuse to refund your taxes, you should not panic. First of all, you need to carefully study the reasons for the refusal specified in the official notification. This can often be due to technical errors or incomplete information in the declaration. In this case, you may need a legal analysis of a situation to identify the problem and solve it. You have the right to file an appeal within 14 days of receiving the refusal. To prepare a reasoned appeal, it is recommended to apply for a legal opinion to increase the chances of a positive decision.
Peculiarities of tax refunds for seasonal workers
Seasonal workers from Ukraine are also entitled to a tax refund, but the process for them has certain peculiarities.
Specifics of tax refunds for seasonal workers:
- The need to file a declaration before leaving Poland
- Possibility to file a declaration online upon returning to Ukraine
- The importance of keeping all work-related documents
- Taking into account the period of work when calculating the amount of refund
For seasonal workers, a written consultation service may be especially relevant, which will help to understand all the nuances of the process and correctly prepare the necessary documents.
Common mistakes in tax refunds
Avoiding common mistakes can significantly speed up the tax refund process and increase the chances of a positive decision.
- Common mistakes:
- Incorrect filling in of personal data
- Errors in the calculation of income and taxes
- Failure to take into account all possible benefits
- Submitting a declaration after the deadline
- Lack of necessary supporting documents
To minimize the risk of mistakes, it is worth using the service of having your documents checked by a lawyer before filing your tax return. This will help to identify and correct possible deficiencies.
Electronic filing of tax returns: advantages and features
Modern technologies allow you to file a tax return online, which has a number of advantages.
Advantages of electronic filing:
Saving time
Possibility to file a tax return from anywhere in the world
Faster processing of documents by the tax authorities
Lower probability of technical errors
Possibility to track the status of consideration online
For those who are not confident in their skills in working with electronic systems, it may be useful to hire a lawyer in Poland to help you fill out and submit an electronic declaration correctly.
Tax refund in Poland is an important process that allows Ukrainians working in this country to receive additional funds. The right approach to this procedure can significantly increase the amount of the refund and avoid possible problems with the tax authorities. It is important to keep in mind the deadlines for filing the declaration, the correctness of its completion and the availability of all necessary documents. If you have any doubts or difficulties, you should not hesitate to seek professional assistance. Applying to the legal marketplace KONSULTANT for the service of a lawyer online or a lawyer in Warsaw can be a key factor in a successful tax refund. Remember that qualified legal consultation is an investment in your financial well-being and peace of mind.
