The government is preparing a new tax. The project is to be shown in July

The Ministry of Digitization intends to publish a draft law introducing a new levy for the largest online platforms before the end of July. The announcement was confirmed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Affairs Krzysztof Gawkowski. As he emphasized, the assumptions of the solution had already been presented before, and now the project is to be officially presented.

The head of the ministry does not hide the fact that he wants the regulations to come into force as soon as possible. He noted that if his party had a majority in the government and parliament, the new solution would be introduced immediately. However, the project raises discussions both within the coalition and in relations with the United States.

Digital tax in Poland

According to the presented assumptions, the new levy rate is to be 3%. The burden will be directed to large online platforms that generate revenues thanks to Polish users. Gawkowski argues that the solution is not aimed at the US, but is intended to serve a fairer taxation of international companies.

The minister argues that companies operating and paying taxes in Poland should not be in a worse situation than competitors using international tax structures. The new regulations are intended to equalize the conditions for conducting business.

Investments will help reduce the tax

The project is intended to provide for the possibility of tax reduction for companies that decide to make specific investments in Poland. Reliefs could include expenditure on the development of new technologies, digital competences and education, as well as the construction of production plants or the creation of jobs.

Gawkowski explained that the aim is to reward companies that actually engage capital in the development of the Polish economy. Merely announcing investments will not be enough. The benefits are to be awarded to enterprises that actually spend money on projects implemented in the country.

Dispute over relations with the United States

The proposal was criticized by US President Donald Trump and US Ambassador to Poland Tom Rose. The Deputy Prime Minister announced that he would meet with an American diplomat on July 23, but at the same time assured that he did not intend to change his position.

According to the minister, the claim that the tax will primarily affect US companies is unjustified. He predicts that the largest part of the proceeds will come from entities from Asia. He admitted, however, that some members of the government fear the deterioration of Polish-American relations.

Money for startups and cybersecurity

During the conversation, the topic of a possible choice between introducing the tax and establishing a permanent US military base in Poland also came up. Gawkowski emphasized that he supports the development of military cooperation and would like to establish such a base, but currently the country does not face a similar alternative.

The proceeds from the new tribute would be used, among others, for: for the development of startups and increasing the country’s cybersecurity. The minister argues that Poland has the right to expect an appropriate contribution from the largest platforms earning money on the domestic market, instead of shifting the burden of state financing mainly to citizens.