This is a new obligation for 250 thousand. companies. The expert alerts: “Entrepreneurs do not know about the consequences”
The lack of an information campaign on the part of the government meant that many entrepreneurs are not aware of the weight and consequences of this obligation – notes Piotr Juszczyk, the main tax advisor of Infakt in an interview with “Wprost”.
The new information obligation is to settle accounts on preferential energy prices for the second half of 2024. Applications, in accordance with the Act, must be submitted by February 28. On Tuesday, February 4, the government decided to extend the deadline by June 30. The new obligation applies to about 250 thousand. entities. According to “Trade News”, citing the findings of the SME spokesman, at the end of January, only about 2,000 fulfilled it. companies.
– The obligation to submit a statement by small and medium -sized entrepreneurs regarding energy settlements should go hand in hand with the appropriate level of communication from administration and energy operators – says Piotr Juszczyk.
Entrepreneurs left without information?
According to the expert, the low number of statements made is primarily due to the lack of sufficient information, and not from neglect or reluctance of entrepreneurs.
– Since entrepreneurs are obliged to submit documents within a specified period, it is equally important that the institutions responsible for its implementation ensure an effective flow of information – says Juszczyk.
The expert indicates a simple solution that could help a lot in this respect.
– It would be enough, for example, to place an appropriate energy invoice clause, which would allow each entrepreneur to immediately orientate in the new requirements. This type of solution, implemented in cooperation with energy operators, could significantly increase the number of terminated declarations – says Piotr Juszczyk.
Severe penalties for entrepreneurs
Failure to comply with this obligation within the time limit provided for by the legislator has financial effects. Companies that will not provide information on public aid on time will lose the right to the maximum price for the period from July 1 to December 31, 2024. This means that energy suppliers will add a difference between the maximum price and the standard contractual price and will calculate statutory interest on the difference. According to Piotr Juszczyk, entrepreneurs are not aware of how severe these punishments can be.
–The lack of an information campaign on the part of the government meant that many entrepreneurs were not aware of the importance and the consequences of this obligation. In the future, it is necessary for such regulations to be implemented with appropriate communication so that entrepreneurs do not have to find out about them at the last minute, and the state would not be forced to intervene – notes the expert.
