In the heat of completing their PIT settlements, Poles are looking for ways to reduce the tax amount. During this time, tax advisors not only have their hands full, but also receive – to put it mildly – strange questions about various tax reliefs.
The Polish tax system provides specific, closed catalogs of reliefs. Despite this, many taxpayers try to adapt the regulations to everyday expenses, hoping for a lower tax. Attempts to stretch the regulations may lead to unpleasant consequences, but also to surprising situations.
The most common mistakes when settling PIT. What will not be deducted by the tax office?
As experts from PITax reveal, questions often arise about the possibility of deducting household appliances, streaming subscriptions or pet maintenance costs. For example, VR goggles are not considered rehabilitation equipment, and the Internet discount does not cover Netflix or Disney+.
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“Polish taxpayers are true visionaries. Every year they prove that regulations, which are a rigid framework for officials, are only a suggestion or a starting point for discussion for them,” says Krzysztof Biernacki, PITax tax advisor, whose words are quoted by 300 Gospodarka.pl.
Tax relief for a cat? Poles are looking for ways to lower taxes
As PITax experts explain, the purchase of a washing machine or dishwasher does not entitle you to a tax relief, unless the funds come from the sale of an apartment and are intended for a new property. Then built-in household appliances can be included in housing expenses.
Similarly, expenses for children's sports activities or diagnostic tests cannot be deducted if they are not part of the treatment of people with disabilities.
There is also no tax relief – although taxpayers ask about it. The same as for any other animal, unless it is an assistance dog, which may be covered by rehabilitation relief.
Tax relief for a non-working wife? Surprising questions when settling PIT
As PITax experts reveal, popular questions also include the so-called relief for a non-working wife. Formally it does not exist, but in practice it is equivalent to joint settlement of spouses. It allows you to reduce your tax by dividing your income between two people and avoiding entering a higher tax bracket.
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Although some of the taxpayers' questions may seem strange or funny, some people try to prove income from illegal work or settle taxes in another country without changing their residence.
Such actions may result in scrutiny and additional liabilities. Experts advise that instead of creative accounting, you should focus on legal solutions and carefully check the settlement rules.
The most common mistakes in PIT settlement
Experts also warn that the line between optimization and misinterpretation of regulations is very thin. Incorrect settlement may result in an inspection and additional costs. It is also worth paying close attention to completing your tax return.
The most common mistakes made by taxpayers are those that result from inaccurate mathematical or accounting operations. As a rule, taxpayers do not round or round incorrectly the basis for calculating the tax and the amount of tax to be paid.
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Another common mistake is incorrectly transcribing data from PIT-11 or PIT-8C, which exposes the taxpayer to various consequences. The same is true for a seemingly trivial oversight, i.e. failure to sign the declaration and complete all required fields. For this reason, the taxpayer may be requested by the Office to complete his/her own data as part of inspection activities.
