The taxman calls Poles on the carpet. It’s about a popular application
The taxman organized a hunt for Poles. If the Tax Office reveals irregularities, some people will pay back taxes amounting to even several dozen thousand zlotys.
The issue of tax office audit returns like a boomerang. Wyborcza.biz describes further examples of Poles who rented their apartments and premises via Booking and Airbnb. If they settled the tax office incorrectly, they will pay outstanding taxes even 5 years back. The amounts may reach several dozen thousand zlotys.
The taxman goes hunting
Recently, the tax office has organized a hunt for Poles who deal with the so-called short-term rental. Many of them, according to officials, have been incorrectly settling their accounts with the Tax Office for years. If officials’ inspections reveal irregularities, entrepreneurs must face severe penalties.
One example is Mr. Andrzej, who works full-time and at the same time rents two houses by the Polish seaside. He does not have a registered business, so he paid a lump sum for rented premises as a private person. It was targeted by the tax office. The official decided that he should pay as a company, so he faces the risk of paying back outstanding taxes as far back as 5 years. According to his own calculations, it is as much as 20-30 thousand. zloty.
The biggest problem in this whole situation are unclear regulations. According to experts, they do not clearly define when to set up a company and when it is not required. However, Grzegorz Żurawski, president of the Polish Short-Term Rental Association, assures that people dealing with the so-called companies should set up short-term rentals. According to him, activity is not required in the case of ordinary, long-term apartment rental. The taxman seems to be of the same opinion.
In the coming months, this type of inspections may only increase. The DAC7 directive has been in force in Poland since July, which imposes an obligation on online sales platforms to report to the Tax Office. This also applies to Booking and Airbnb. Data for 2023 and 2024 will probably be sent to the tax office in January, and then the officials will have everything handed to them on a plate.
