WHT refund requests
In 2022, new regulations on withholding tax (WHT) rules came into force, providing for the introduction of the so-called pay and refund mechanism. For certain WHT-taxable distributions exceeding PLN 2,000,000 per year to a single related party, Polish entities (payers) are required to collect WHT at the basic rate (19% on dividends and 20% on interest and royalties, among others).
The foreign taxpayer entity will be able to request a refund of the tax paid by the payer if, according to a double tax treaty, directive or provision of Polish law, the tax should be lower. If a relevant request is made, the tax authorities have 6 months to refund the WHT paid in whole or in part. This is because the extent of the refund depends on the circumstances of the situation, including whether the transaction can benefit from WHT exemption or whether a reduced WHT rate will apply.