Publication date: 31.01.2026
Car purchase tax, PCC tax on a car, excise duty on a car, and registration fees are mandatory financial obligations when purchasing a vehicle in Poland. Many buyers focus only on the vehicle price and overlook the actual, which often leads to unexpected expenses, administrative penalties, and registration problems.
Lack of knowledge about tax obligations may result in tax arrears, financial sanctions, and delays in official procedures. Therefore, proper settlement of taxes and fees is a key element of a safe transaction.
PCC tax on a car — when must it be paid?
The PCC tax on a car applies when a vehicle is purchased under a civil law contract, most commonly from a private seller. The buyer is required to:
- submit a PCC-3 declaration,
- pay the car purchase tax within the statutory deadline,
- correctly determine the market value of the vehicle.
The standard PCC tax rate is 2% of the vehicle’s value. Incorrect calculation of the PCC tax on a car may result in tax inspections and additional penalties.
Excise duty on a car — who must pay it and when?
Excise duty on a car mainly applies to vehicles imported from abroad. The amount depends on:
- engine capacity,
- fuel type,
- vehicle category.
Failure to pay excise duty prevents the car from being registered in Poland. Therefore, excise duty on a car is one of the most important steps in legalizing an imported vehicle.
Registration fees — mandatory costs after purchase
Registration fees are a fixed element of the vehicle registration process and include:
- issuing the registration certificate,
- license plates,
- vehicle card,
- administrative fees.
Incorrect payment of registration fees may delay the registration procedure.
Costs of buying a car — the full financial picture
The actual costs of buying a car include not only the purchase price but also:
- car purchase tax,
- PCC tax on a car,
- excise duty on a car,
- registration fees,
- document translation costs,
- technical inspection and administrative charges.
A comprehensive analysis helps avoid unexpected expenses.
Most common tax payment mistakes
The most common mistakes include:
- late payment of PCC tax on a car,
- failure to pay excise duty,
- incorrect calculation of car purchase tax,
- incomplete documentation,
- missing payment confirmations.
Such errors can result in financial penalties and registration problems.
Why is proper tax settlement so important?
Correct preparation allows you to:
- avoid fines and tax arrears,
- accurately calculate the costs of buying a car,
- speed up the registration process,
- avoid repeated visits to public offices,
- secure the legality of the transaction.
Taxes and fees when buying a car in Poland are mandatory parts of every transaction. PCC tax on a car, excise duty on a car, registration fees, and other costs of buying a car must be settled correctly and on time. Proper preparation helps avoid administrative and financial problems. If you are planning to buy a car in Poland and want to correctly calculate car purchase tax, excise duty on a car, and registration fees, it is worth verifying all financial obligations before signing the contract. This helps avoid mistakes and unnecessary costs.
FAQ — frequently asked questions
Question
Is PCC tax on a car always required?
Answer
No. PCC tax on a car applies only when purchasing a vehicle from a private individual under a civil law contract.
Question
Who must pay excise duty on a car?
Answer
Excise duty on a car must be paid by the person importing the vehicle from abroad.
Question
Are registration fees included in the car price?
Answer
No. Registration fees are paid separately after purchase.
Question
What is included in the costs of buying a car?
Answer
The costs of buying a car include taxes, fees, excise duty, administrative charges, and technical formalities.
Question
What happens if car purchase tax is not paid?
Answer
Failure to pay car purchase tax may result in financial penalties, interest charges, and registration problems.
