Poland VAT Rate 2026: 23% Standard Rate

Standard rate 23% · Reduced 5%, 8% · Currency PLN

Poland VAT Calculator

Current Poland VAT Rate: 23%

How Much Is VAT in Poland?

The standard VAT rate in Poland is 23% in 2026, plus reduced rates of 5%, 8% on certain goods and services. It applies to most goods and services sold in Poland. Among the 27 EU member states, standard VAT ranges from 17% in Luxembourg to 27% in Hungary.

How to calculate Poland VAT

To add 23% VAT to a net (tax-exclusive) price, multiply it by 1.23. To remove VAT from a gross (tax-inclusive) price, divide it by 1.23.

  • Add VAT: PLN 100 net × 1.23 = PLN 123 gross (that is PLN 23 of VAT)
  • Remove VAT: PLN 123 gross ÷ 1.23 = PLN 100 net (that is PLN 23 of VAT)

Use the Poland VAT calculator above for any amount, or compare Poland with every other country in our VAT rates by country table.

Poland VAT Rates Overview

Complete breakdown of Value Added Tax rates in Poland

Current VAT Rates

Rate Type Percentage Applies To
Standard Rate 23% Most goods and services
Reduced Rate 1 5% Basic foods, books and journals
Reduced Rate 2 8% Pharmaceuticals, passenger transport, hotels and restaurants

History of VAT Changes in Poland

Timeline of Value Added Tax rate modifications

Historical VAT Rate Changes

  • 2026: Current standard rate in force
  • 2011: Standard rate raised to 23%
  • 1993: VAT introduced

Economic Impact

VAT contributes approximately 20-30% to Poland's total tax revenue. The current rate structure balances revenue generation with economic competitiveness within the EU region.

Exemptions and Reduced Rates in Poland

Special VAT rules and exemptions for specific sectors

Zero-Rated Items

The following items are zero-rated for VAT in Poland:

  • Exports of goods and services
  • International transportation
  • Some basic food items
  • Children's clothing
  • Books and newspapers
  • Prescription medications

VAT Exempt Items

The following are exempt from VAT in Poland (no VAT charged, no input VAT recovery):

  • Financial services
  • Insurance services
  • Healthcare and medical services
  • Education and training
  • Postal services
  • Charitable activities

Reduced Rate Applications

Items subject to reduced VAT rates in Poland:

  • 5% rate: Basic foods, books and journals
  • 8% rate: Pharmaceuticals, passenger transport, hotels and restaurants

Poland VAT Registration & Compliance

Key facts for businesses registering for and reporting VAT in Poland.

Local nameVAT (podatek od towarów i usług)
VAT number formatPL + 10 digits (e.g. PL1234567890)
Registration thresholdPLN 200,000
Filing frequencyMonthly or quarterly
Tax authorityThe Krajowa Administracja Skarbowa

Poland requires VAT registration once taxable turnover exceeds PLN 200,000 a year; voluntary registration is available below it. Always confirm current thresholds and deadlines with the Krajowa Administracja Skarbowa, as they are reviewed periodically.

VAT for Businesses in Poland

Essential information for companies operating in Poland

VAT Registration

  • Registration Threshold: PLN 200,000
  • Voluntary Registration: Available below threshold
  • Registration Process: Online via tax authority website
  • Processing Time: Typically 2-4 weeks

VAT Returns and Payment

  • Filing Frequency: Monthly or quarterly
  • Filing Deadline: End of month following period
  • Payment Methods: Bank transfer, online payment
  • Late Filing Penalties: Varies by amount and delay

Cross-Border Trade

Special considerations for international transactions:

  • Intra-EU Trade: Zero-rated with valid VAT numbers
  • Imports: VAT payable at point of entry
  • Exports: Generally zero-rated
  • Digital Services: Subject to OSS rules for B2C sales

For background on how the buyer accounts for VAT on intra-EU and cross-border B2B supplies, see the reverse charge mechanism. For B2C digital sales and low-value imports, see VAT on digital services and cross-border e-commerce.

Compare VAT Rates

VAT rates in neighboring and similar economies

Nearby Countries

🇩🇪 Germany

Standard Rate: 19%

🇫🇷 France

Standard Rate: 20%

🇮🇹 Italy

Standard Rate: 22%

🇪🇸 Spain

Standard Rate: 21%

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about VAT in Poland

What is the current VAT rate in Poland?

The standard VAT rate in Poland is 23% as of 2026. This applies to most goods and services unless they qualify for reduced rates or exemptions.

How do I calculate VAT in Poland?

To add VAT: multiply the net amount by 23%. To remove VAT from a gross amount: divide by 1.23. Use our calculator above for instant results.

Who needs to register for VAT in Poland?

Poland requires VAT registration once taxable turnover exceeds PLN 200,000 a year; voluntary registration is available below it.

Can I reclaim VAT in Poland?

VAT-registered businesses can generally reclaim input VAT on business purchases. Non-EU tourists may claim VAT refunds on qualifying purchases when leaving the country — see our guide to VAT refunds for tourists and non-resident businesses.

Last reviewed on 11 June 2026.