A new tax is becoming more and more real. Experts: the consequences are dire for everyone.

• The new tax would apply to e-shops with monthly revenues exceeding PLN 17 million.
• The industry warns: the new burden will hit small Polish companies, limit exports and reduce competitiveness
• The Polish Chamber of Commerce (KIG) claims that the costs of the tax may be passed on to customers in the form of higher prices.
• The tax office is counting on an increase in revenues - from the current PLN 2.5 billion to almost PLN 5 billion

"Super Express" reports that the Polish government is considering extending the retail sales tax to the e-commerce sector : the main goal of this move is to tighten the tax system and equalize the conditions of competition between traditional and online trade.

Currently, this tax applies to trading companies whose monthly revenues exceed PLN 17 million, and its rates are progressive:

• 0.8% on the surplus of revenues between PLN 17 and 170 million,
• 1.4% on the surplus above PLN 170 million.

These plans are generating significant controversy in the retail industry. Business representatives, including the Polish Chamber of Commerce, warn that the new burden will not only impact global "giants," but – writes "Super Express" – primarily small Polish companies, limiting the export potential of the entire sector.

It is emphasized that most companies operating online are micro and small enterprises, for which additional tax may mean:

• reduction in profitability,
• the need to raise prices,
• and consequently, a decline in competitiveness towards foreign entities.

- The National Chamber of Commerce also warns that these costs will ultimately be passed on to consumers in the form of higher product prices - writes "Super Express".

Someone is waiting for this tax. They have a purpose.

The tax authorities have reasonable expectations for revenue growth. The retail sales tax, effective from 2021, has become a significant source of revenue, with revenues rising from PLN 2.5 billion to a projected PLN 4.9 billion by the end of this year.

Considering that online sales already account for around 10% of all retail sales in Poland, the financial potential of including e-commerce in the new tax is significant, and the government is counting on further hundreds of millions of zlotys in the budget, reports Super Express.

The Ministry of Finance emphasizes that the project is currently in the analytical phase . Broad market consultations will be crucial, during which businesses will be able to present their arguments and concerns. The final shape of the regulations will depend on the results of these discussions and the political will to implement the changes.

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