Filing an annual tax return in Poland: what foreigners need to know
Filing an annual tax return is mandatory for all taxpayers, including foreigners living and working in Poland. However, since the rules of tax law may differ for foreigners, it is important to understand the specifics of this process. Correct submission of the annual declaration allows you to avoid fines, and in some cases even receive a refund of part of the taxes.
Who is required to file an annual tax return in Poland?
The obligation to submit a tax return applies to everyone who received income in Poland, including persons who work under a contract, run a business or rent real estate. Foreigners who have the status of a tax resident of Poland are subject to tax on all income received, both in Poland and abroad.
Question
What is a tax resident of Poland?
Answer
A tax resident of Poland is a person who lives on the territory of Poland for more than 183 days a year or has a center of vital interests here (for example, family or work). A tax resident is obliged to declare all income regardless of its source.
For non-residents, the obligation applies only to income received in Poland. Lawyer's consultation will help determine whether you have the status of a tax resident of Poland.
What types of income must be indicated in the declaration?
In Poland, tax legislation requires all types of income to be declared in the declaration, regardless of their origin. This includes wages, income from business activities, rental property and other types of earnings. It is also important to take into account income received abroad, because Poland has signed a number of international agreements on the avoidance of double taxation. Legal advice will help you figure out exactly how to account for income from foreign sources.
Basic forms for tax declaration: which ones to choose?
In Poland, there are several forms for submitting a tax declaration, each of which corresponds to a certain type of income. Foreigners who work under labor contracts most often use the PIT-37 form. The PIT-36 form is provided for entrepreneurs. Sometimes it is necessary to check the documents by a lawyer to choose the correct form.
Basic forms for submitting declarations:
- PIT-37 — for employees and persons receiving income from sources other than entrepreneurial activity.
- PIT-36 — for entrepreneurs and persons receiving income from business or other activities.
- PIT-38 — for investors declaring income from the sale of securities.
Document analysis will help determine the correct form for each case to avoid errors and ensure the legality of the submission.
The process of submitting an annual tax return
The submission of the tax declaration takes place both in electronic format and in person. Poland's tax portal allows you to submit declarations through online accounts, which simplifies the process for foreigners. A lawyer's consultation will be useful for those who encounter this procedure for the first time and wish to comply with all formal requirements.
Stages of submitting a declaration:
- Preparation of necessary documents.
- Registration on the tax portal through online accounts.
- Choosing the right declaration form and filling it out.
- Sending the declaration online or in person to the tax office.
A legal analysis of a situation will help to ensure that the form is correctly filled out and submitted.
What documents are required for a tax declaration?
To submit an annual tax return, documents confirming income and expenses for the reporting year are required. These can be certificates of income from the employer, documents on business activity, confirmation of tax payment. Checking the documents by a lawyer will make sure that the documents are drawn up correctly.
List of required documents:
- Certificate of income from the employer.
- Documents confirming rental income.
- Confirmation of income from foreign sources.
- Accounts eligible for discounts.
A written consultation will provide recommendations on the correct preparation of documents for submission.
Discounts and benefits for foreigners when submitting a declaration
In Poland, there are tax benefits that can significantly reduce the amount of taxes payable. Some of them relate to medical expenses, charity, and child benefits. For foreigners, the possibility of receiving discounts depends on their resident status and sources of income.
Question
What benefits are granted to foreigners who are tax residents of Poland?
Answer
Foreign residents of Poland can take advantage of the same benefits as citizens of the country, including discounts for medical expenses, charity, children. Consulting with a lawyer will help determine which discounts are available to you.
The preparation of documents for obtaining discounts may require the help of a lawyer in Warsaw to avoid mistakes and prepare documents in accordance with the requirements of the tax authorities.
Filing a declaration with the help of a lawyer: advantages
Lawyer's consultation or a lawyer in Warsaw will provide significant advantages in filing the annual return, especially when it comes to complex cases. A lawyer will help to perform a legal analysis of the documents, determine the possibility of discounts, and avoid fines. Written advice from an online lawyer will help you navigate the process of submitting a declaration.
Advantages of a lawyer's assistance when submitting a declaration:
Professional legal analysis of a situation.
Verification of documents by a lawyer.
Written consultation and advice on submitting a declaration.
Legal analysis will help to avoid typical mistakes that often arise due to insufficient knowledge of tax requirements.
Legal analysis for filling out the tax return
Completing a tax return often requires detailed legal analysis of the documents to avoid penalties and inaccurate information. The legal analysis of the documents allows you to make sure that these data meet the requirements of Polish tax legislation.
Types of legal analysis for the declaration:
- Legal analysis of a situation.
- Legal opinion of a lawyer regarding the correctness of filling out the documents.
- Written advice on filling out tax forms.
A legal opinion of a lawyer will provide a guarantee of the correctness of the filling, which is especially important for foreigners.
Online legal advice for foreigners: when is it needed?
Online lawyer's consultation gives you the opportunity to get answers to any questions about the tax return without leaving your home. This is especially convenient for foreigners living outside Warsaw, because an online lawyer can provide written advice via the Internet.
Advantages of online consultations for foreigners:
Saving time and availability of consultation at any time.
Receiving written advice on submitting a declaration.
Possibility to get a legal opinion of a lawyer online.
Online legal advice is the best option for those who want to minimize risks and correctly fulfill their obligations to the Polish tax system.
Filing an annual tax return for foreigners in Poland is an important and responsible task that requires attention and knowledge of tax laws. Thanks to the help of a lawyer in Poland or the lawyer's consultation online, foreigners can be sure that the declaration is correct, that all discounts and benefits are taken into account, as well as avoid fines for mistakes. To receive a full package of legal services and consultations, we recommend contacting the CONSULTANT marketplace, where specialists will provide professional assistance.
