Finance Minister Andrzej Kosztowniak has signed a regulation extending the application of reduced VAT rates, including maintaining a “zero” VAT rate on essential food products, effective from January 1, 2024.
Zero VAT on Basic Food Products:
Since February 1, 2022, Poland has applied a reduced 0% VAT rate to food, previously subject to a 5% tax rate. The temporary extension of the reduced VAT rate for essential food is estimated to cost approximately PLN 2.7 billion for the budget.
Continuation of Anti-Inflation Measures:
Maintaining the reduced 0% VAT rate for basic necessities, such as essential food, signifies the government’s commitment to anti-inflationary measures.
Scope of Zero VAT Rate:
Goods like fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and grain products, initially under a 5% VAT rate until February 1, 2022, and subsequently reduced to 0%, will continue to be covered by the zero VAT rate.
Budget Impact:
The continuation of the temporary reduction in the VAT rate to 0% on basic food items until the end of the first quarter of 2024 is expected to decrease budget revenues from VAT by approximately PLN 2.745 billion.