Seniors: Act Now or Lose 1.5% of Your Tax

13 April 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Seniors can lose the 1.5 percent tax donation if they rely on ZUS automatic PIT. Check and file PIT-OP by end of April to direct funds.

Time is running out for many Polish pensioners and disability benefit recipients. The automatic 1.5 percent tax donation will not reach a charity unless the taxpayer makes one simple decision.

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How the 1.5 percent tax donation works

ZUS (the Social Insurance Institution) often prepares and files PIT returns for retirees. However, ZUS cannot guess personal charity choices. Consequently, when ZUS files taxes automatically, no organisation gets nominated for the 1.5 percent tax donation. Moreover, if a senior does not submit a separate PIT-OP form, the money stays in the state budget. Therefore acting matters for both donors and charities.

What seniors must do now

First, fill in the PIT-OP form and name your chosen public-benefit organisation (OPP). In addition, you can complete the form online at the Ministry of Finance portal or send it by post. Moreover, you can sign with your trusted profile like ePUAP or use the tax office e-services. However, many seniors lack digital access or awareness. Consequently, families and carers should help where possible. The deadline ends in late April, and afterwards you cannot allocate the funds for that year.

Other money you may miss if you do nothing

Automatic settlement by ZUS does not cover all tax matters. For example, seniors with deductible medical costs may qualify for tax relief on medication and rehabilitation. In addition, some people have tax overpayments that the system keeps until they file their own return. Therefore filing a full PIT return can recover money. Also, if you expect a refund, you must provide a bank account and PESEL (the national ID number) on a declaration. Finally, failing to act can mean lost benefits and lost charitable giving.

Practically, the steps are simple. First, check whether ZUS listed you among those auto-resolved. Second, decide if you want to give 1.5 percent to a charity. Third, submit PIT-OP before the April deadline. Moreover, consult your local tax office (Urząd Skarbowy) or ZUS local branch if you need paper forms. However, avoid delays because the system closes the year quickly.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If your elderly relative or client lives in Poland, help them check their settlement. ZUS is the Social Insurance Institution that handles pensions. NFZ is the National Health Fund that manages public healthcare. PESEL is the national ID number used in most forms. PIT-OP is the simple declaration for the 1.5 percent tax donation. You can file PIT-OP online at podatki.gov.pl, by post, or via ePUAP. In addition, if a senior paid for expensive medicines or rehabilitation, filing a personal PIT return may reclaim tax money. Therefore contact a local tax office or a trusted advisor early.

Consequently, a few minutes of attention can decide whether money reaches a charity or disappears into the public coffers. Moreover, acting now protects personal refunds and ensures donations reflect the taxpayer’s wishes. However, if you miss the deadline, you lose the chance for that tax year.

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