In fresh months, we have seen a clear trend in fiscal policy by the Donald Tusk government, which points to the inevitability of taxation increases. Although the Cabinet has not declared these activities as an organised strategy or given them a common name, experts see at least 4 areas where crucial taxation changes are planned. The planned taxation increases are broadly described in the article entitled ‘The series of taxation increases has already begun. So far, no plan.’
Increase in Excise on Tobacco Products and E-cigarettes
The first and most visible announcement is the planned increase in excise work on tobacco products. Law and Justice have already introduced provisions to make this taxation grow year-on-year, but the Civic Platform intends to introduce even higher rates. According to information published by the Chancellery of the Prime Minister, in 2025 the excise work on cigarettes will increase by 25 percent, and in the following year by another 20 percent. An even more drastic increase awaits liquids for electronic cigarettes – in 2025 75 percent, and in 2026 50 percent.
As a consequence of these changes, the Ministry of Finance estimates that the price of a cigaret pack can scope about 27 PLN. This will clearly affect consumers who smoke tobacco products, expanding their regular spending.
Changes in Real property taxation for Enterprise
The second area of planned changes is the property taxation paid by companies. The draft amendment envisages extending the scope of taxation to fresh facilities, peculiarly those utilized in telecommunications and energy sectors. Experts foretell that the consequences of these changes may be felt for consumers in the form of higher electricity or net bills. This may lead to an increase in the operating costs of companies to be transferred to final customers.
Obligation to get CO2 emanation allowances
The 3rd signal to tighten fiscal policy is the Ministry of Climate and Environment's plan to include fuel sellers with the work to get CO2 allowances. This action, referred to by any as the introduction of a circumstantial paratax, may have a crucial impact on fuel prices at petrol stations. Costs related to the acquisition of emanation allowances can straight translate into higher fuel prices, which will affect the full economy by expanding transport and production costs.
Introduction of the Global Minimum Tax
The 4th origin is the planned introduction of a global minimum taxation since 2025. This tribute is intended to cover global corporations and any national capital groups. Although it will not always be paid straight in Poland, experts foretell that the indirect effects of this regulation may affect Polish companies and their employees. global companies may choose to transfer any of the costs to their branches in Poland, which may consequence in a simplification in profits and possibly redundancies.
Cumulative Effect of Planned Increases
The cumulative effect of the measures described above may have a crucial impact on household and enterprise budgets. Although the government has not officially announced a fresh "tax order", a series of planned changes clearly indicate a tightening of fiscal policy. Donald Tusk does what he has already practiced during erstwhile governments and what he does – unfortunately for the wallets of Poles – rather effectively.
Conclusion
The expected increases in taxes will impose additional burdens on consumers and businesses in Poland. Increases in excise duties on tobacco products and e-cigarettes, changes in property taxation for companies, the work to get CO2 emanation allowances and the introduction of a global minimum taxation may together increase the price of goods and services, as well as increase the operating costs of companies. Despite the deficiency of formal announcement of a fresh "tax order", these actions point to a strong tightening of the fiscal policy of Donald Tusk's government.
Daniel Głogowski
Expert in his field – Publicist, author and social activist. The first articles were published in 1999 for global publishers. For more than 30 years, he has gained his experience through cooperation with the largest editorial offices. In his articles, he seeks to address controversial topics and present first viewpoints that allowed for a deeper knowing of the issues discussed.
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Government of Tusk begins to destruct Poles with a series of drastic taxation increases
