Job Discussion Forums

[Bialonoz]

I wonder if anyone can help.

I've just set up a dzialanosc gospodarcze to work as an efl teacher here and I'm curious what I can offset against tax as costs. For example, part of rent, bills, bookeeping expenses, materials and stationery, taxi costs, stationary etc. What about a laptop? Or a part of my electricity bill (I do a few lessons at home)? Or maybe train tickets when I go outside Warsaw for a lesson?

I've spoken to bookeepers but get a different answer every time!

If anyone has experience of this, I'd be really happy to hear them, because I'm getting very confused about it all. It would be great to write off as much as possible against earnings, but equally I don't want to be locked up for tax avoidance!

[Mike_2007]

Hi,

If Poland is like most other countries you can write off a lot, including many of your house bills (rent, electricity, gas, etc). The proportion you can effectively get away with often varies from country to country. Train tickets, taxi fares (if the driver gives you a receipt), stationery and so on a generally all acceptable.

The laptop is a little more complex. Firstly if you are not VAT registered you can claim this back. Here in Romania you don't have to register for VAT if your company earns less than 30'000 euro annually, and I expect it's probably a similar figure for Poland. As for tax offsets, a laptop might come under the capital gains, which means you can claim a part of its cost each year over several years (depreciation). Sometimes you have to state how much of the time you use the laptop for work, and how much for personal use.

Sorry I can't be specific about Poland, but if you find a decent accountant you'll be able to write a hell of a lot off. You won't get locked up or anything, if your books are checked and they find things there that shouldn't be claimed for they'll just bill you for the difference (and maybe a small fine).

Good luck,
Mike

[sparks]

Mike is right. I save all of my receipts except for food at the grocery store, clothes, and some household items. All traveling costs are deducted. If you go for a vacation or to visit some friends--make it a business trip to find more clients. If you eat out, take out some potential customers

My accountant told me to give her everything and she does the proportions. I know that half of my rent is deducted, most of my bills, etc.

Find a good accountant who will do it for you and just save your receipts. I pay 150 zl /month in Warsaw and it's well worth it for not having to worry about papers and whatnot. She has it all on file.

[maniak]

I think the reason youre getting all the different answers is because the tax system for businesses is so convoluted its really anyones guess

Find an accountant through a recommendation, should run about 100-200zl a month. Do not do it alone.

[Bialonoz]

Thanks for the advice!