The deadline for filing PIT for 2024 is rapidly approaching, with taxpayers having until midnight on April 30, 2025, to settle their accounts with the tax office. As the clock ticks down, many individuals are scrambling to ensure they meet this crucial deadline and avoid potential penalties.
According to Agnieszka Nowak, the head of the Tax Office in Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski, documentation can be submitted in paper form either in person at the office or by sending the declaration by post, with the postmark date serving as the submission date. However, for those who prefer a more convenient option, the online service 'Twój e-PIT' and the 'e-Urząd Skarbowy' mobile application allow taxpayers to file their returns without leaving home.
As of now, approximately 25,000 individuals have already submitted their tax returns, with the most popular form being PIT-37. However, many taxpayers may not realize that if they fail to file their PIT by the deadline, the National Revenue Administration (KAS) will automatically settle it for them. This automatic process may seem convenient, but it’s essential for taxpayers to check their prepared declarations, especially if they qualify for various tax allowances.
Notably, the KAS will automatically accept certain declarations, such as PIT-37 and PIT-38, by the April 30 deadline. However, other forms, particularly those related to business activities or rental income, will not be automatically accepted, meaning taxpayers must ensure they complete and submit these forms themselves.
For those who owe additional taxes, payments must be made by the same deadline. This includes using an individual tax micro-account, which is increasingly becoming the standard for tax payments in Poland. Payments can be made online through the e-Tax Office, using methods such as credit cards or BLIK payments.
Failure to submit a PIT declaration by the deadline can lead to fiscal penal sanctions. The penalties for tax offenses range from 466.60 PLN to a staggering 23,330 PLN starting January 1, 2025. However, the severity of the penalty may depend on whether the state incurred a loss due to the taxpayer's failure to file.
Taxpayers should also consider strategies to reduce their PIT for 2024. Options include joint filing with a spouse or claiming certain allowances such as the family allowance, rehabilitation allowance, and the internet allowance. Additionally, the PIT zero allowance is available for young people, working seniors, and families with four or more children.
Importantly, not everyone is required to file a PIT for 2024. For instance, individuals under 26 years of age who qualify for the PIT zero allowance and earned no more than 85,528 PLN do not need to submit a declaration. Similarly, those who did not earn any income in 2024 are also exempt from filing.
For taxpayers dealing with income from the stock exchange or investment funds, the PIT-38 form must be filled out, incorporating data from the PIT-8C forms issued by brokerage houses. This year, for the first time, taxpayers can offset gains and losses from stocks and funds against each other, which could provide a valuable tax advantage.
Those who engaged in cryptocurrency transactions in 2024 must also take note. If you sold or purchased cryptocurrencies, it is crucial to complete the PIT-38 with this information, as the tax authority does not have access to these data.
For individuals who sold real estate in 2024—such as land, apartments, or houses purchased after January 1, 2019—a PIT-39 form is required. This form must detail both income and costs associated with the sale, especially if the taxpayer intends to utilize housing relief.
Income from private real estate rentals, taxed at a flat rate, must be reported on the PIT-28 form, and taxpayers should be mindful of how they report these earnings to avoid potential pitfalls.
Entrepreneurs face unique challenges when filing their PIT for 2024. They are responsible for filling in most of their data, even if they utilize the Twój e-PIT service, as the tax office only partially fills out the forms based on available data. This requirement extends to those with suspended business activities, who must still submit an annual PIT declaration.
As the deadline looms, it is crucial for taxpayers to gather their documents and ensure they understand their filing obligations. The tax office will not extend its hours for receiving declarations, but the tax hotline will remain open longer to assist taxpayers with last-minute questions.
In summary, with only a short time left to file, taxpayers must act quickly to ensure compliance and take advantage of potential allowances and benefits. Whether filing electronically, by mail, or in person, understanding the requirements and options available can make the process smoother and less stressful.
