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POLAND: TAXES ON CRYPTOCURRENCIES – 5 KEY CHANGES IN PIT

As of 1 January 2019, the rules on taxation of cryptocurrencies in Poland have change. Cryptocurrencies are taxed on a similar basis as capital gains. What is important, these changes apply to income (revenues) earned as of 1 January 2019. Contrary to previous proposals, the amendments will not apply retroactively as of 1 January 2018.

This article has been updated on February 16, 2021. If you wish the read the newst articles in this topic you can read this: Tax on cryptocurrency in Poland – 5 key issues.

#1 CRYPTOCURRENCIES AS A VIRTUAL CURRENCY

Until the end of 2018, cryptocurrencies were treated as property rights for the purposes of income tax. As of 1 January 2019, cryptocurrencies are treated as a virtual currency. At the same time, it has been defined what is and what is not a virtual currency. For the most popular cryptos such as BTC, ETH, LTC etc. there are no major problems with their qualification. In practice, the biggest problem will concern tokens – where it will be necessary to analyse whether a given token can be classified as a so-called security token. In such a case, gains will be settled in a different manner (also at the rate of 19% but the method of settlement and presentation of costs will be different).

#2 REVENUES FROM CAPITAL GAINS – GAINS FROM CRYPTO TAXED AT THE RATE OF 19%

As of 1 January 2019, gains from crypto are treated as a type of capital gains. This means that regardless of the amount of gains from crypto, they are taxed at a rate of 19%. Plus 4% of the so called solidarity tax, if the total income received from diffrent sources is higher than 1,000,000. The solidarity tax is levied only on the surplus above 1mio PLN. Till the end of 2018, the rate was 18% or 32% (if the income is higher than PLN 85,528).

It is not be possible to offset the loss on crypto against income from other capital gains – e.g. from shares.

The revised classification of the source of income also affects those who run a business. Until end of 2018, gains and losses on crypto generated as part of business activities were classified under the same source of revenue as the so-called operating profits and losses – e.g. from software development activities. They could be offset against one another on an ongoing basis throughout the year (which was particularly significant in the case of a loss on crypto). As of 1 January 2019, gains on crypto earned as part of the business are to be reported and accounted for separately from business activities. Cryptocurrency exchanges and markets will account for their gains and losses in a different manner.

#3 NO TAX ON SWITCHING BETWEEN CRYPTOS (CRYPTO TO CRYPTO EXCHANGE)

Switching between cryptos is neutral for income tax purposes. This means that there is no need to disclose revenues and costs resulting from exchanging one crypto for another in the annual tax return. The absence of a tax on crypto-for-crypto transactions does not mean that there is no need to record individual exchanges. Regardless of the tax rules, it is necessary to keep a transaction history. As before, a payment in crypto is treated as a sale of this crypto.

#4 ACCOUNTING FOR COSTS ON AN ONGOING BASIS AND ELIMINATION OF OFFSETTING LOSSES

Another change relates to the principles of cost recognition. Till the end of 2018, due to the inconsistency of tax authorities, there have been in fact 2 methods of cost accounting. As of 1 January 2019, cost accounting rules will be (relatively) clear.

According to the new regulations, costs will be defined as expenses incurred directly for the purchase of cryptocurrencies and costs related to their disposal (sale, payment for goods/services, etc.). The Act clearly states that by purchasing a crypto at an exchange we also have the right to recognise costs, provided that we are in possession of documents confirming the purchase. In my opinion, the transaction history from the exchange will be a sufficient proof.

Costs that are not used in a given year may be carried forward to the following year. The regulations are vague and if interpreted in an unfavourable way, the tax authorities may claim that the costs are carried forward only to the “following” year. Such an interpretation would mean that costs would be forfeited if carried forward over several years.

IMPORTANT: the carried-forward costs of purchase/acquisition of crypto must be reported for the first time in the PIT return for 2019.

At the same time, the regulations introduce a ban on offsetting losses. This will matter especially if we decide the stop trading with a loss position.

#5 GAINS FROM MINING IN 2019

As before, gains (income) from mining will be accounted for only when the crypto mined is sold. The difference, however, lies in the determination of costs. The legislation indicates that only the direct costs associated with the purchase of crypto can be recognised as costs. This may lead to doubts as to the recognition of, for example, the value of mining equipment as costs.

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2019 sees a lot of developments in the taxation of crypto. The introduction of relatively clear rules will certainly have a positive and stabilising effect on this sector. Another issue is that these developments are not always beneficial.

If you wish to read more about the crypto-tax in Poland you can read this articles:

TAX ON CRYPTOCURRENCIES IN POLAND – 5 KEY DETAILS

The cryptocurrencies are exempt from transfer tax indefinitely!

TAX ON SALE OF REAL ESTATE IN POLAND

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