The Polish Government plans to establish new institutionwhose main task will be to intensify the fight against grey zone in Poland. The project, which has been consulted, envisages the creation of an office which will aim not only to control economical activity but besides to cooperate with key state institutions, including Fiscal, ZUS and Police. This initiative aims to reduce the size of the informal economy, whose share of Polish GDP is 1 of the highest in Europe.
Grey region in Poland – a large economical problem
The grey region in Poland, i.e. economical activity, which is not officially registered or taxed, constitutes about 27 percent national GDP. This is much higher than the European Union average, which is 22 percent. According to data, in 2023, the Polish economy lost even annually PLN 90 billion for unregistered activities, which seriously affects the state budget.
The deficiency of paid taxes and unfair competition from companies operating in the grey area origin a marketplace imbalance. In addition, no contributions to social security and another claims affect the amount benefits and public services in Poland. The Grey region is besides a possible safety threat, including illegal products, drug trafficking or money laundering.
New office and its mission
The establishment of a fresh office to tackle the grey region is 1 of the key elements of the government's strategy for the coming years. The main tasks of the fresh institution will include:
- Identification of entities for fiscal controls – utilizing modern analytical tools, the office is to identify suspicious business activities.
- Cooperation between institutions – through centralised control activities, the office will enable faster access to full data on taxpayers.
- Public education – beyond control, an crucial component of the activities of the office is besides to advance the legality of economical activity and to convince Poles to comply with the law.
The authoritative task went to public consultation and to gain support besides from manufacture organisations and fiscal policy experts. Its task will besides be to adapt actions to the real image of the economy and to respond to changing marketplace conditions.
Key institutions active in the fresh project
The fresh institution is to be a platform for cooperation between many key state offices. It will include:
- Ministry of Finance – liable for taxation and fiscal policy.
- Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy – to regulate employment policies, including the supervision of illegal forms of work.
- Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) – liable for controlling social and wellness contributions.
- State Labour Inspection (PIP) – which will monitor working conditions in companies.
- National gross Administration (KAS) – dealing with extended control of business.
In addition, the task assumes cooperation with Police and Border Guardto better monitor the activity of the suspected companies and to respond more rapidly to suspicious activities.
New technologies in fiscal service
The fresh office will usage modern technologies to improve the effectiveness of control activities. utilizing algorithms and tools for data analysis, officials will be able to more effectively analyse financial flows and identify companies that effort to avoid paying taxes. In addition, the institution is to cooperate with financial institutions, which will let faster verification of the past of transactions and cash flows.
As announced, wide control activities will besides apply informal employment. The grey area frequently involves black work, whose scale, especially in the construction or service sector, is inactive large.
International cooperation
Equally crucial component of the fresh office is its cooperation with international institutions, including organisations dealing with the fight against illegal trafficking or money laundering. With specified partnerships, Poland will be able to fight unfair practices more effectively at global level, which will aid reduce the impact of the shadow economy on the national economy.
The function of education and social trust
In addition to control activities, the fresh office will besides focus on social education. Through better communication with citizens and entrepreneurs, it will be possible to rise awareness of the benefits of the legality of activities and legal consequences for infringements. Joint education can change the attitude of Poles to pay taxes and comply with legal standards.
The government's proposal to set up a fresh office to fight the grey region is simply a step towards a more effective fiscal policy. Through cooperation between key state institutions and advanced analytical tools, Poland has the chance to reduce the size of the illegal economy and improve the efficiency of the taxation system.
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