Here comes a wave of raises that can contact any Pole with a property, a car or even a dog. The Ministry of Finance has just announced new, maximum rates of taxes and local charges, which will apply from 2026. Although the final decision belongs to local governments, past shows that many municipalities are eager to scope maximum limits. This means 1 thing: Prepare for higher bills for housing, land, transport, and even staying in a favourite spa.
Why are these increases so certain? This is the effect of yearly valorisation, which adjusts tributes to inflation. The Central Statistical Office (GUS) reported that the prices of consumer goods and services in the first half of 2025 increased by 4.5 percent. That's how much the local government will be able to rise the rates to date. What does that mean for your wallet and who will pay the most? Let's look at circumstantial numbers that might surprise you.
Property Tax: Who pays the most?
Changes in property taxation are 1 of the most felt for millions of Poles. Housing owners must anticipate an increase in the rate to 1.25 zł per square metre. Although at first glance 6 cents more than presently seems to be a tiny amount, this may already be noticeable by year. For example, the owner of a 70-metre flat will pay annually for 4,20 PLN more. However, it's a tiny thing compared to what entrepreneurs are waiting for.
The rate for buildings associated with business activities will go up to PLN 35.53 per square metre. This is an increase of PLN 1,53 On all subway! Imagine moving a company in an office of 1000 m2 – this means additional PLN 1530 per year to be paid only for property tax. They will besides increase their land: to PLN 1.45 per square metre for business and astronomical activities 4.72 zł per square metre for undeveloped land covered by regeneration programmes. This signal that investing in certain urban areas will cost more.
More costly transport and another urban charges in 2026
The increases will besides not miss the owners of the means of transport, which could consequently translate into higher prices for transport services. For trucks weighing between 3.5 and 5.5 tonnes, the maximum taxation rate will be PLN 1259,09. This is even more felt by heavier vehicle owners – those exceeding 9 tonnes can be charged even PLN 2520.48. Bus owners besides gotta prepare for considerable expenses, from PLN 2976.21 to even PLN 3762.73, depending on the number of seats. For many transport companies, these amounts can importantly affect operating costs, which can yet hit consumers' pockets.
But that's not all. another local tributes that we pay all day will besides increase. The maximum fair fee may scope PLN 1176.67 per day, which will hit tiny traders and farmers selling their products. If you are planning to leave, remember that local governments will be able to charge higher rates for your stay in tourist destinations – 3.46 PLN per dayand even in spas PLN 6,67. A household of 4 who spends a week in a spa will pay additional PLN 186,76. Even the owners of the quadrupeds will not avoid changes – the maximum rate for having a dog is PLN 186.29 per year.
What's next? Prepare for the decisions of your municipality
The Ministry of Finance’s announcement is, indeed, only the setting of maximum rates alternatively than a binding order. The final decision on the amount of taxes and local charges for 2026 belongs to municipal councils. However, as the practice of fresh years shows, Most local governments usage the anticipation of maximum increases in feesto fill holes in budgets and finance local investments and services. For residents, this means 1 thing: it is worth to check now what plans your municipality has and how much it could cost to keep your home, your company or your car in 2026.
Monitoring local announcements and resolutions of the municipal council is the key to avoiding unpleasant surprises. These increases, although due to inflation, mean a real failure of home budgets and an increase in business costs. Before 2026, learn how fresh limits will affect your finances and plan your expenses. Don't be surprised!
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Do you have a home or a car? Local taxes in 2026 sharply up – see how much!
