Polish President Signs from Cheaper Gas Rates Amendment Allowing More Entities to Benefit

On Tuesday, President Andrzej Duda signed an amendment to the Act on special protection of gas fuel consumers in 2023 in connection with the situation on the gas market. The amendment extends the catalog of entities entitled to take advantage of lower rates for gas fuels.

Govt Action for Cheaper Gas Rates:

Amendments to the Act on Cheaper Gas “Amendments to the Act on special protection of certain gas fuel consumers in 2023 in connection with the situation on the gas market consist in the assumption that the authorized entity applies the maximum price of gas fuels also in settlements with customers who are entrepreneurs within the meaning of the Act – Entrepreneurs’ Law” – according to the Chancellery of the President of the Republic of Poland.

Cheaper gas rates can be used by bakeries, confectioneries and food cooperatives, for which baking activity is the largest source of income. Cheaper gas rates for bakeries and pastry shops In February, the Sejm adopted an amendment to the Act on Enforcement Proceedings in Administration, which will enable bakeries and confectioneries to purchase gas at a reduced price of PLN 200.17 per megawatt hour.

This is the same rate as for households and vulnerable entities. The amendment was supported by 234 MPs, 15 MPs were against and 202 abstained from voting.

The amendment to the Act on Enforcement Proceedings in Administration also provides for the application of the reverse charge of VAT on gas in the gas system, electricity in the power system and services in the field of transferring greenhouse gas emission allowances. The reverse VAT charge in these industries will be applied from April 1, 2023 to February 28, 2025.

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.