VAT Calculator for Poland
Our VAT calculator enables you to easily calculate Value Added Tax (VAT) in Poland, free of charge. Calculate net amounts, gross amounts, and VAT values using current Polish VAT rates. This tool helps businesses and individuals understand VAT calculations for invoicing, accounting, and tax compliance.
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VAT Calculation Result
How to Calculate VAT
Adding VAT to a Net Price
Step 1: Identify the VAT Rate
Before adding VAT to a net price, you need to determine the applicable VAT rate. VAT rates can vary depending on the country and the type of goods or services. For example, standard VAT rates might be different from reduced or zero rates. Verify the current VAT rate with your local tax authorities.
Step 2: Calculate VAT Amount
To calculate the VAT amount to add to the net price, use the following formula:
Step 3: Determine Gross Price
Add the VAT amount (calculated in Step 2) to the net price to find the gross price (the final price including VAT):
Deducting VAT from a Gross Price
Step 1: Identify the VAT Rate
Just like in Part 1, you must first identify the applicable VAT rate for the goods or services.
Step 2: Calculate VAT Amount
To calculate the VAT amount included in the gross price, use the following formula:
Step 3: Determine Net Price
Subtract the VAT amount (calculated in Step 2) from the gross price to find the net price (the price before VAT was added):
Polish VAT Rounding Rules
In Poland, VAT amounts must be rounded to the nearest grosz (0.01 PLN). When the third decimal place is 5 or higher, round up to the next grosz. When it's 4 or lower, round down. This applies to both VAT calculations and final invoice amounts in Polish złoty.
How VAT Works in Poland
VAT Rates
Standard Rate
Most goods and services: 23%
Default rate for most business transactions
Reduced Rate
Selected goods: 8%
Certain foods, pharmaceuticals, books
Super Reduced Rate
Essential goods: 5%
Basic foods, medical devices, some books
Zero Rate
Exports, some services: 0%
International transport, exports outside EU
Key Information
VAT Registration
Businesses with annual turnover over 200,000 PLN must register for VAT. Voluntary registration is possible for smaller businesses.
VAT Returns
Monthly VAT returns are due by the 25th of the following month. Quarterly returns available for smaller businesses.
EU Transactions
Special rules apply for intra-EU transactions. B2B sales to other EU countries are typically 0% VAT with valid EU VAT ID.
Digital Services
Digital services to consumers follow destination principle. Use customer's country VAT rate, not Polish rate.
VAT Rate Categories in Poland
23% VAT (Standard)
- • Most professional services
- • Electronics and appliances
- • Clothing and footwear
- • Furniture and home goods
- • Restaurant and catering services
- • Construction services
- • Telecommunications
- • Financial services (when taxable)
8% VAT (Reduced)
- • Certain processed foods
- • Some pharmaceuticals
- • Selected books and publications
- • Hotel accommodation
- • Passenger transport services
- • Some medical devices
- • Veterinary services
- • Educational services
5% VAT (Super Reduced)
- • Basic foods (bread, milk, vegetables)
- • Essential medical products
- • Textbooks and educational materials
- • Newspapers and periodicals
- • Agricultural products
- • Certain children's products
- • Some cultural services
- • Basic foodstuffs
0% VAT (Zero Rated)
- • Exports outside European Union
- • International transport services
- • Intra-EU supplies to VAT-registered businesses
- • Some financial services
- • Certain insurance services
- • Medical and dental care
- • Educational services (some)
- • Cultural and sporting events (some)
VAT Questions & Answers
What is the standard VAT rate in Poland?
The standard VAT rate in Poland is 23%, which applies to most goods and services. This is one of the higher VAT rates in the European Union and applies to everything not specifically covered by reduced rates (8%, 5%) or exempt from VAT.
When do I need to register for VAT in Poland?
You must register for VAT when your annual turnover exceeds 200,000 PLN. However, you can voluntarily register for VAT even with lower turnover, which allows you to recover VAT on business purchases. Registration must be done before starting VAT-taxable activities.
How do I calculate VAT from a gross amount?
To extract VAT from a gross amount, use this formula: VAT amount = Gross amount × (VAT rate ÷ (100 + VAT rate)). For example, with 23% VAT: if gross amount is 123 PLN, then VAT = 123 × (23 ÷ 123) = 23 PLN, and net amount = 100 PLN.
What items have reduced VAT rates in Poland?
8% VAT applies to items like certain foods, books, pharmaceuticals, and hotel services. 5% VAT applies to basic foods (bread, milk, vegetables), essential medicines, and textbooks. The specific list is detailed in Polish VAT law and can change based on government decisions.
How often do I need to file VAT returns in Poland?
Most VAT-registered businesses file monthly returns by the 25th of the following month. Small businesses may qualify for quarterly returns. Large businesses (over 50 million PLN turnover) must file monthly. Annual VAT summaries are also required.
Can I recover VAT on business expenses?
Yes, VAT-registered businesses can generally recover VAT paid on business purchases and expenses. This includes office supplies, equipment, professional services, and other business-related costs. However, there are restrictions on certain items like company cars and entertainment expenses.
What are the rules for EU VAT transactions?
Intra-EU B2B sales are typically 0% VAT if the customer has a valid EU VAT number and the goods are shipped to another EU country. B2C sales follow destination principle - you charge the customer's country VAT rate. Special thresholds apply for distance selling.
How does VAT work for digital services?
Digital services (software, online courses, digital downloads) to consumers follow the destination principle. You charge the VAT rate of the customer's country, not Poland's rate. For B2B digital services within EU, reverse charge applies - no VAT charged if customer has valid EU VAT ID.
What penalties apply for VAT non-compliance?
VAT penalties in Poland can be severe: late filing fines, interest on unpaid VAT, penalties for incorrect returns (up to 100% of tax due), and potential criminal charges for fraud. Always file returns on time, even if no VAT is due, and maintain proper documentation.
Do I need to charge VAT on exports from Poland?
Exports outside the EU are typically 0% VAT, but you need proper export documentation. Exports to other EU countries are 0% VAT for B2B transactions with valid VAT numbers. For B2C exports within EU, you may need to register for VAT in the destination country depending on sales volume.
How do I handle VAT for mixed-use expenses?
For expenses used both for business and personal purposes (like a home office or car), you can only recover the business portion of VAT. You need to calculate the business percentage based on actual usage and maintain documentation to support your calculations.
What VAT documentation do I need to keep?
Keep all VAT invoices (received and issued), import/export documents, VAT return copies, and supporting calculations for at least 5 years. Invoices must meet Polish requirements: proper VAT numbers, correct rates, clear description of goods/services, and all mandatory information fields.