Law and Justice plans to introduce a series of new regulations regarding healthcare and taxes. The entire project was initially called the New Order, but ultimately received the name Polish Order. Last Saturday, during the convention of the United Right, the entire program of the Polish Order was presented, which was also published in its entirety on the PiS website. The program states that the Polish Order is intended to give Poland the opportunity to join the group of the most developed countries in the EU. It is not yet known when the new regulations will come into force, but it is worth starting to prepare for it. What changes does this project entail?
Changes in the tax system
In the Polish Order program, there are several changes proposed in the tax system. Firstly, the tax-free threshold will be increased to 30,000 PLN, which means that individuals earning less will pay lower taxes, while those earning more will pay higher taxes. This threshold also implies no tax on minimum wage. Secondly, there will be an increase in the tax threshold for the first time in 12 years. Currently set at 85,000 PLN, it will be raised to 120,000 PLN after the implementation of the Polish Order. Additionally, the Polish Order includes a relief for the middle class, individuals earning between 6,000 and 10,000 PLN, making the tax reform neutral for them.
Changes regarding health insurance
Currently, health insurance contributions are uniform for everyone, regardless of income. However, with the implementation of the Polish Order, this is set to change. The health insurance contribution will be income-dependent, with a rate of 9%, and it will not be deductible from tax. However, experts note that in practice, this means an increase in tax by 7.75% of the base for calculating the contribution. This implies an additional burden for higher earners and will also offset the benefits for those with average incomes.
Changes in waste disposal contracts
The Polish Order program did not clearly specify whether “trash contracts” (i.e., civil law contracts such as service agreements and contracts for specific work) will be abolished. It was only announced that a single model of employment contract will be introduced. This may indicate that civil law contracts could be subject to social security contributions, which would mean the obligation to pay ZUS (Social Insurance Institution) contributions in forms of employment where this obligation did not exist before.
Guaranteed own contribution for the purchase of a flat
The government has also addressed the issue faced by young people, namely the difficulty in acquiring their own housing due to high prices and the requirements of banks providing loans. Now, in order to obtain a loan, it is necessary to have one’s own contribution. According to the Polish Order, the state is to guarantee up to 100,000 PLN of own contribution for those taking out loans, or offer subsidies of up to 160,000 PLN for individuals using social housing or for large families. The amount will depend on the size of the family, specifically the number of children. For example, it will be 20,000 PLN for the second child, 60,000 PLN for the third child, and 20,000 PLN for each subsequent child.
However, not everyone will be eligible for this program. It will only apply to individuals aged 20 to 40. In addition, a maximum price per square meter of real estate that qualifies for the program will be introduced. It is estimated that about 80,000 families per year will be able to benefit from this program. Additionally, it is worth noting that the construction of single-family homes with an area of up to 70 square meters will be possible without obtaining permits, without a construction manager, and without keeping construction records. Construction will be possible based solely on notification. These regulations are expected to come into effect in September of this year.
Changes for seniors
It is also worth noting the changes in the regulations regarding pensions. First and foremost, tax-free pensions are to be introduced, but this will only apply to those retirees whose pension amounts do not exceed 2500 PLN. Additionally, the government aims to encourage seniors to remain employed despite reaching retirement age. To achieve this, they intend to introduce a zero PIT (Personal Income Tax), meaning no obligation to pay tax up to the tax threshold level. The result will not only be a higher salary but also a higher pension later on.