Remote work has become a standard for many Poles, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the government is considering introducing new taxation on distant work, arguing with the request to compensate for the burden between office workers and those who work from home. Is specified a taxation truly needed? What would its consequences be for workers and employers?
Why does the government want to taxation distant work?
According to a survey by the Ministry of Finance, an expanding number of workers utilizing distant work leads to reduction of local and industrial taxation revenues. Limited access to offices means lower fuel taxation revenues, and a decrease in turnover in local restaurants and services related to the regular operation of offices.
In addition, remote work saves transport costs, meals or office clotheswhat the government believes should be taken into account in the fresh taxation system. any countries, for example Germany and Spain, have already introduced rules regulating additional fees for workers performing distant duties.
What would a fresh taxation look like?
Although official proposals Not yet presented, there are respective possible solutions:
- Fixed monthly fee for distant workers For example 200-300 zł per period collected straight from remuneration.
- Percentage income tax – according to preliminary analyses could be around 5% of gross wage for people who regularly work remotely.
- Additional contribution for urban infrastructure – collected from employers who let distant work.
Unofficially, there is besides talk about tax incentives for companieswhich will enable workers to return to offices to stimulate local economies and increase urban consumption.
Arguments of taxation supporters
Supporters of the introduction of specified a taxation point to respective key benefits:
- Tax equality – office workers bear higher travel costs, making the current strategy unfair.
- Supporting the local economy – offices make traffic and gross in sectors specified as catering, transport and services.
- Compensation for the state budget – distant work reduces gross from VAT and excise duties, which in the long word can affect the budget of local governments.
Opponents: ‘This is simply a hidden form of additional taxation’
Critics point out that The thought of a distant work taxation is another way to scope into citizens' pockets. They point to any crucial problems:
- Lack of economical justification – distant work does not make additional costs for the state, so its taxation is illogical.
- Discrimination of workers – people working remotely have little spending anyway, but that doesn't mean they should pay extra tax.
- Negative impact on innovation and labour marketplace flexibility – if Poland decides to pay specified a tax, it may discourage abroad companies from investing in distant jobs in our country.
Experts are alerting that tax on distant work could consequence in the departure of IT professionals and another professions to countries where specified regulations do not apply.
Does a taxation like this have a chance to enter into force?
There is no clear decision yet, but the subject is becoming increasingly controversial. The Ministry of Finance acknowledges that it is considering different scenarios, nevertheless Social force and criticism from experts can effectively block the introduction of a fresh tax.
Moreover, labour organisations and trade unions warning against possible protestsif the government decides to implement it.
A taxation on distant work is simply a controversial thought that inspires both support and opposition. Its introduction could bring additional budget revenue, but at the same time reduce the attractiveness of Poland as a workplace for professionals.
Will specified a taxation enter into force? It all depends on government decision and public response. There is 1 thing for certain – The subject will be emotional for a long time.
Read more:
A distant work tax? Government’s Controversial Idea
