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Personal Income Tax in Poland – Rates, Residency & Filing Guide

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Flick team

Last updated at

July 10, 2025

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Personal Income Tax in Poland – Rates, Residency & Filing Guide

Personal Income Tax is a tax on the income of individuals based on their residency and type of earnings. On 22 April 2022, the Polish Council of Ministers approved a major tax reform to ease financial pressure. As part of this reform the PIT rate was reduced from 17% to 12%, effective 1 July 2022.

In this blog, we will explain everything you need to know about PIT in Poland.

Personal Income Tax in Poland

Personal Income Tax in Poland is a tax on a person’s income based on their residency. 

A person is a tax resident if they have their centre of personal or economic interests in Poland or if they stay in Poland for over 183 days in a year. A resident has unlimited tax liability and must pay tax in Poland on all income earned worldwide. 

A non-resident has limited tax liability and pays tax only on income earned from sources in Poland.

Taxable Income for Individuals in Poland

Taxable income in Poland includes:

  • Income from employment
  • Income from old-age or disability pensions
  • Income from non-agricultural business activity
  • Income from rental or lease of property
  • Capital gains, such as income from the sale of securities or real estate
  • Income from copyrights, royalties, and other civil law contracts
  • Income from competitions, lotteries, and betting
  • Dividends, interest, and other investment income
     

Personal Income Tax Rates in Poland

Poland applies several personal income tax methods depending on the taxpayer’s income type and chosen form of taxation. 

The main methods include a progressive tax scale, a flat rate, a lump-sum on registered revenue, and a fixed-amount tax.

1. Progressive Tax Scale

The progressive tax scale is the standard method used for most personal income in Poland. The tax is based on total annual income and uses two rates:

Annual Income Range (PLN)Tax RateNote
0 – 120,00012%Reduced by a degressive amount of PLN 3,600
Over 120,00032%Applied to the amount exceeding PLN 120,000

Key points:

  • This method applies by default unless another tax option is chosen
  • It is used for income such as employment, pensions, or business if no flat rate or lump-sum is selected
  • Taxpayers must file a PIT-36 or PIT-37 form depending on the income type
  • Tax is paid monthly in the form of advance payments during the year
  • The final tax is settled when the annual return is submitted

This method allows the use of tax reliefs and joint filing with a spouse if conditions are met.


 

2. Flat Rate (19%)

A flat rate of 19% will apply to the following types of income:

  • Income from non-agricultural business activity
  • Income from special branches of agricultural production (if calculated based on accounting books)
  • Income from the sale of real estate
  • Income from the sale of shares or securities

To use this method:

  • A person must submit a written declaration to the revenue office or report it through the Central Registration and Information on Business
  • The choice must be made before the start of the tax year
  • Advance tax must be paid monthly by the 20th day of the following month
  • At year-end, the PIT-36L form must be submitted along with Annex PIT/B if required

This method is often used by people who expect high income and prefer a fixed rate instead of the progressive scale. It does not allow most tax reliefs or joint filing with a spouse.


 

3. Lump-Sum Tax on Registered Revenue

The lump-sum tax is based on total revenue without deducting expenses. It applies only to specific types of economic activity allowed by law.

Tax rates vary based on the type of activity:

Available rates: 17%, 15%, 12.5%, 10%, 8.5%, 5.5%, 3%, or 2%

Examples:

  • Rental income is taxed at 8.5% or 12.5% depending on the amount
  • Agricultural retail trade can be taxed at 2%
  • Certain services and trades are assigned rates from the list

To use this method:

  • A person must submit a written declaration to the revenue office or report it through the Central Registration and Information on Business
  • Advance tax must be paid monthly by the 20th day of the following month
  • At year-end, the PIT-28 or PIT-28S form must be submitted along with Annex PIT-28/B if required
  • The lump-sum tax for December must be paid before the annual return deadline

This method is often chosen by small business owners who want simpler tax rules. It does not allow deduction of costs or joint filing with a spouse.

4. Fixed-Amount Tax

The fixed-amount tax applies only to selected small-scale economic activities listed by law. The tax is set as a fixed monthly amount by the revenue office.

The amount will depend on:

  • Type and scope of activity
  • Number of employees
  • Number of residents in the locality where the business is carried out

To use this method:

  • A person must apply to the revenue office using the PIT-16 or PIT-16S form
  • The taxpayer must not carry out business outside Poland
  • The tax must be paid monthly by the 7th day of the following month
  • The tax for December must be paid by 28 December

There is no need to submit an annual tax return. If health insurance contributions are paid and are tax deductible, the PIT-16A form must be submitted by 31 January of the following year.

This method is chosen for its simplicity, but it is available only to specific types of business defined by law.

Personal Income Tax Return and Payment Process in Poland

Individuals who earn taxable income in Poland, whether resident or non-resident, must file a tax return and pay tax based on the applicable taxation method unless exempt by law.

Tax Return Filing

Tax returns must be filed each year for income earned in the previous calendar year. The standard filing period is from 15 February to 30 April. For lump-sum taxpayers, the return must be submitted between 15 February and the last day of February.

Returns must be submitted to the revenue office responsible for the taxpayer’s place of residence or registration.

There are three ways to file the tax return:

If the return is submitted before 15 February, it will still be treated as filed on 15 February.

Note: The Twój e-PIT service cannot be used for income from business activity or special branches of agricultural production.


 

Tax Forms Based on Income Type

Different forms are used to report income depending on the source and the chosen tax method. Each taxpayer must select the correct form based on their income type.

FormPurpose
PIT-37Income from employment, pensions, and other income settled by a tax agent
PIT-36Income not settled by a tax agent or a mix of different income types
PIT-36LIncome taxed at the 19% flat rate (non-agricultural business activity)
PIT-28Income taxed under the lump-sum method on registered revenue
PIT-16Application for fixed-amount tax
PIT-16ADeclaration of health insurance contribution (for fixed-amount tax payers)
PIT-38Income from sale of securities or capital gains
PIT-39Income from the sale of real estate

Tax Payment Deadlines

Taxpayers must pay advance tax during the year based on the income or revenue earned. The payment deadline depends on the tax method chosen.


 

Tax MethodPayment Due Date
Progressive tax scale20th day of the following month
Flat rate (19%)20th day of the following month
Lump-sum tax20th day of the following month
Fixed-amount tax7th day of the following month
Fixed tax for December28 December

Payments must be made to the taxpayer’s individual tax micro-account.

The final amount due is settled when the annual tax return is filed. If tax paid during the year is higher than required, the excess will be refunded by the revenue office. If it is less, the remaining amount must be paid with the return.

Conclusion

It is important to file a tax return and make payment on time. A delay in filing or payment will lead to penalty or interest and may cause issue with a refund. From 2026, Poland will start mandatory e-invoicing on the KSeF platform. It will apply to large businesses from 1 February 2026 and to all VAT-registered businesses from 1 April 2026. It is important to stay ready and update your system for e-invoicing.

We recommend you try Flick e-invoicing software. It fully complies with Polish VAT and KSeF rules. It will help you submit invoices on time and stay compliant with less effort. If you have a question on Personal Income Tax or e-invoicing in Poland then feel free to contact us.

FAQ

Who must pay PIT in Poland?

Polish residents pay tax on worldwide income. Non-residents pay tax only on income earned in Poland.

What is the current PIT rate?

12% on income up to PLN 120,000 and 32% on income above that. 

What is the tax-free amount?

PLN 30,000 per year.

What PIT methods are available?

  • Progressive tax scale
  • Flat rate (19%)
  • Lump-sum on registered revenue
  • Fixed-amount tax

What if I miss the deadline?

You may face:

  • Penalties
  • Interest charges
  • Refund delays

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