VAT advisory services

Value Added Tax (VAT) is one of the most complex and fast-evolving areas of taxation, with a direct impact on an organisation’s financial efficiency and tax compliance.

VAT home logotypy

We support businesses in the correct application of VAT legislation across all aspects of their operations – from day-to-day VAT compliance and transaction analysis to the design of business structures and representation in disputes with the tax authorities.

Our specialists help minimise VAT risks, enhance the quality of tax compliance processes, and provide the certainty your organisation needs to operate with confidence.

Key VAT challenges

In today’s business environment, VAT is an area where tax risk arises not only from the legislation itself but, more importantly, from its interpretation and application to specific business models.

The most common challenges include:

uncertainty in the interpretation of VAT legislation affecting financial and investment decisions

risk of incorrect VAT treatment of transactions and the resulting financial reporting implications

complexity of cross-border VAT compliance and its impact on cash flow

risk of VAT adjustments and their consequences for financial performance

divergent approaches adopted by the tax authorities, increasing regulatory uncertainty

growing exposure to VAT audits and retrospective assessments

the need to align business structures with evolving VAT requirements

risk of penalties and sanctions affecting the organisation's financial stability

The benefits of professional VAT support

Working with experienced VAT advisers enables businesses to translate complex VAT requirements into robust, compliant and predictable processes.

In practice, this delivers:

greater tax certainty and enhanced VAT compliance

reduced risk of VAT adjustments and their impact on financial results

improved control over the VAT implications of business decisions

consistent and robust VAT treatment of transactions

specialist support in assessing the VAT consequences of strategic transactions

stronger preparedness for VAT audits and tax authority reviews

reduced exposure to tax disputes and financial penalties

more effective financial planning in relation to indirect taxes

MDDP VAT Services

  • Assessment of the VAT implications of business activities
  • Advice on the correct VAT treatment of domestic and international transactions
  • Review of contracts and supporting documentation
  • Design of VAT-efficient business structures and compliance models
  • Advice on chain and triangular transactions
  • VAT advisory for commercial real estate
  • Permanent Establishment (Fixed Establishment – FE) assessments
  • Intra-Community supplies and acquisitions, imports and exports of goods
  • VAT treatment of cross-border services
  • Advice on chain and triangular transactions
  • VAT support for international business expansion
  • Supply chain and logistics model reviews
  • VAT health checks and tax reviews
  • Identification of VAT risks and compliance issues
  • VAT due diligence in mergers and acquisitions
  • Review of business structures and reorganisations
  • Support during VAT audits and tax inspections
  • Representation before the Polish tax authorities
  • Representation in tax and administrative court proceedings
  • Assistance in tax enforcement proceedings
  • Applications for individual tax rulings and Binding Rate Information (WIS)
  • Automotive
  • Defense
  • FMCG and retail
  • IT and technology
  • Pharmaceuticals and healthcare
  • Public sector and local government
  • Real estate and construction
  • Telecommunications
  • Preparation of VAT refund claims in Poland and across the EU
  • Assessment of entitlement to VAT refunds
  • Support throughout administrative refund procedures
  • Representation in VAT refund proceedings
  • VATcheck – validation of SAF-T (JPK_VAT) files
  • NIPcheck – verification of EU VAT numbers and business partners
  • SAFETYcheck – due diligence verification of suppliers and customers
  • checkJPK – advanced analysis of SAF-T (JPK) data

Meet our VAT experts

TomaszMichalik kwadrat
Tomasz Michalik

Partner | Tax adviser | Head of the VAT Practice
E: Tomasz.Michalik@mddp.pl
T: (+48) 501 733 720

Janina Fornalik
Janina Fornalik

Partner | Tax adviser
E: janina.fornalik@mddp.pl
T: (+48) 660 440 141

Bartosz Bogdanski
Bartosz Bogdański

Partner | Tax adviser
E: Bartosz.Bogdanski@mddp.pl
T: (+48) 660 440 140

Paweł Goś
Paweł Goś

Partner | Tax adviser
E: pawel.gos@mddp.pl
T: (+48) 602 704 577

Joanna Ryś Bednarczyk
Joanna Ryś-Bednarczyk

Partner | Tax adviser
E: joanna.rys-bednarczyk@mddp.pl
T: (+48) 503 973 366

Jakub Warnielo kwadrat 1
Jakub Warnieło

Partner | Tax adviser | Head of Tax Litigation Team
E: jakub.warnielo@mddp.pl
T: +48 600 816 431

Let's discuss your VAT requirements

Get in touch with our team to discuss your business needs and explore the VAT solutions best suited to your organisation.

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Latest insights

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is VAT?

Value Added Tax (VAT) is an indirect tax charged on the supply of goods and services at each stage of the supply chain.

Although VAT rates and detailed rules vary between jurisdictions, VAT within the European Union is based on a harmonised legal framework. This common framework facilitates cross-border trade within the EU while reducing administrative and tax barriers between Member States.

What are the VAT rates in Poland?

Poland currently applies three principal VAT rates:

  • 23% – the standard rate
  • 8% – applicable to selected goods and services, including certain construction and hospitality services
  • 5% – applicable to selected goods, including books and certain food products

In addition, a number of supplies qualify for VAT exemption under specific statutory provisions.

What is a VAT exemption?

A business is generally required to register for VAT if its annual taxable turnover exceeds the statutory registration threshold (currently PLN 200,000 in Poland) or if it carries out activities subject to mandatory VAT registration, such as certain imports or intra-Community transactions.

To learn more about the SME Scheme, which simplifies VAT compliance for small and medium-sized enterprises operating within the EU, please see our dedicated publication.

When must a business register for VAT?

A business is generally required to register for VAT if its annual taxable turnover exceeds the statutory registration threshold (currently PLN 200,000 in Poland) or if it carries out activities subject to mandatory VAT registration, such as certain imports or intra-Community transactions.

When can I recover VAT charged on purchase invoices?

Input VAT may generally be recovered where the purchase relates to taxable business activities, the invoice complies with the applicable VAT requirements, and all statutory conditions for deduction are satisfied.

Can a tax adviser assist with a VAT audit?

Yes. A VAT adviser can carry out a comprehensive VAT review to assess whether transactions have been treated correctly, identify potential areas of risk and support your business in maintaining VAT compliance. Professional advice can also help minimise the risk of disputes with the tax authorities.

Contact our VAT specialists to discuss your requirements and find out how we can support your business.