Poles are gearing up for the 2024 tax season as the Krajowa Administracja Skarbowa (KAS) officially launches its digital filing platform, Twój e-PIT, on February 15. This initiative encourages taxpayers to file their tax returns electronically, promoting convenience and efficiency for millions of individuals.
The availability of Twój e-PIT reflects the increasing shift toward electronic tax filings. According to Marcin Łoboda, head of KAS, the agency is urging taxpayers to utilize the electronic services provided by Twój e-PIT, as well as the e-Deklaracje system and the mobile application e-Urząd Skarbowy. "We encourage everyone to file through Twój e-PIT or e-Deklaracje, as these electronic options are more efficient," Łoboda stated.
Recent data shows the popularity of these digital services; last year, 13.8 million PIT declarations were submitted electronically via Twój e-PIT, highlighting the trend toward online tax management. Interestingly, 1 million of those filings were completed by entrepreneurs, showcasing the system’s adaptability for various income earners. Łoboda also noted, "Last year, we processed tax refunds totaling 23 billion złoty, prioritizing electronic submissions. Generally, returns enter taxpayers’ accounts within 15 days, with some processed the very next day!"
One of the enhancements this year is the capability for taxpayers to access their pre-filled tax returns, which facilitate the filing process considerably. These returns will include prior year data such as deductions for children and contributions to charitable organizations. The digital system also allows taxpayers to select and apply various tax relief options directly.
It's important to note, as Małgorzata Krok, the deputy head of KAS, pointed out, “Taxpayers who reported no income last year will not be able to access the Twój e-PIT platform due to security protocols.” This condition ensures the platform maintains integrity and safeguards sensitive information.
The array of forms supported by the Twój e-PIT system includes various PIT categories such as PIT-36, PIT-36L, PIT-37, PIT-38, PIT-39, PIT-OP for pensioners, and PIT-DZ for large families (4+). Taxpayers are reminded they must manually enter specific deductions like rehabilitation and energy-saving works to avoid any issues during processing.
For those who opt to file electronically, several payment methods will be available for any outstanding taxes, enabling payments through the Twój e-PIT platform via options such as BLIK or debit cards starting at the end of March.
Alongside the digital services, KAS is offering assistance through multiple channels. Taxpayers can now interact with the tax office via the chatbot named Kaspro, tailor their questions on the official KAS website, or call the hotline at 22 330 03 30. Traditionally, many taxpayers would visit tax offices physically, but the emphasis this year is clearly on the ease of using digital contacts.
So, what do taxpayers need to know as they file for 2024? The service will provide auto-filled documentation based on data available to KAS, simplifying the process significantly compared to traditional forms. The tax authorities recommend checking the figures against the PIT-11 forms issued by employers, which detail income and withheld tax amounts. Employers must issue these documents by February 28, which may sometimes arrive after taxpayers have log-lined onto the e-PIT platform.
Timeliness plays a key role when it concerns tax returns. The law stipulates taxpayers can expect refunds within three months after filing their declarations; yet, this may vary based on factors such as how quickly the taxpayer finalizes their filing. Tax advisor Marcin Otręba emphasizes, “The sooner you accept your e-filed return, the sooner you’ll receive any overpaid tax.” For taxpayers securing refunds via Twój e-PIT, the refunds arrive typically within 45 days if the acceptance process is swift.
Specifically, if taxpayers accept their pre-filled returns on the day they become accessible, they can expect refunds by April 1, marking it among the earliest processing periods. On the other hand, taxpayers who do not engage with the platform could see their refunds delayed to as late as June 15.
Another key update is the expedited refund process for holders of the Karta Dużej Rodziny (Large Family Card). The Ministry of Finance mandates prioritizing these refunds within 30 days of filing when the relevant checkbox is marked on the PIT return, ensuring families benefit from timely support.
Finally, those required to remit taxes—which must be settled by April 30—could face penalties for delays. Taxpayers may check their individual microtax accounts (mikrorachunek podatkowy) to facilitate payments, obtainable through the official tax site or directly at their tax office.
While the digital transition marks significant progress for the tax authority and Polish taxpayers, it serves to provide both simplicity and autonomy during the 2024 tax season.