Lewiatan Tax Council Congress to Address Poland’s Complex Tax Landscape

The Lewiatan Confederation is set to hold the 9th edition of its Tax Council Congress on June 10-11 in Warsaw, bringing together representatives of business, academia, tax experts, and the Ministry of Finance to tackle pressing fiscal challenges for Polish entrepreneurs. Hosted at the Targowa Creativity Center in the Praga district, the Congress aims to foster dialogue and propose solutions for Poland’s notoriously complex and ever-changing tax system.

Poland’s tax system is widely regarded as one of the most intricate and unfriendly for businesses, with frequent legislative changes, an array of new taxes, para-taxes, and sanctions introduced each year. Thousands of individual interpretations and disputes between taxpayers and authorities remain unresolved in the courts, adding to the burden on companies.

The opening day of the Congress will feature discussions on improving the relationship between taxpayers and tax authorities. Key issues include identifying opportunities to strengthen trust between KAS officials and the business community. Other sessions will explore recent changes in property tax regulations and their effect on corporate assets, as well as the rollout of the National e-Invoice System.

One particularly noteworthy panel will address the administrative and settlement challenges tied to the tax aspects of Poland’s deposit system. The second day will offer hands-on workshops and webinars for entrepreneurs, accountants, and tax advisors. Discussions will cover safe tax ports and upcoming amendments to the tax code. The program will conclude by examining the role of individual interpretations in shaping the broader tax interpretation framework.

Despite repeated appeals from entrepreneurs to simplify the tax system, political consensus on comprehensive reform remains elusive. Nevertheless, the Tax Council Congress continues to provide a crucial platform for businesses, tax professionals, and government representatives to collaborate on recommendations that could lead to a more efficient and supportive tax environment in Poland.

What This Means for Businesses in Poland

Tax policy changes in Poland have direct implications for both domestic and foreign-owned businesses. Companies operating in Poland must stay informed about regulatory developments to optimize their tax position and maintain compliance. The Polish tax system includes CIT (19% standard, 9% for small taxpayers), VAT (23% standard rate with reduced rates of 8% and 5%), and various sector-specific levies.

For international entrepreneurs and investors, understanding the Polish tax landscape is essential for business planning. Poland offers several attractive incentives including the Polish Investment Zone (up to 15 years of CIT exemption), R&D tax relief (up to 200% deduction), and the IP Box regime (5% effective CIT rate on qualified intellectual property income). Professional tax advisory can help identify the most beneficial structure for your specific situation.

The interplay between Polish domestic tax law and international tax treaties is particularly important for foreign-owned entities. Transfer pricing regulations, withholding tax provisions, and anti-avoidance rules (GAAR) require careful navigation to ensure both compliance and optimization.

If you are doing business in Poland or considering entering the Polish market, Zalewski Consulting can help. Learn more about our tax advisory services in Poland, or contact us for a free consultation.