Tax donation deadline April 30 — Seniors must act

27 February 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Polish pensioners whose PIT is settled automatically by ZUS must file a separate form by 30 April 2026 to direct 1.5% of their tax to a charity; otherwise the amount is not transferred.

ZUS handles annual PIT settlements for most pensioners, but the small ‘tax donation’ of 1.5% to a chosen charity is not transferred automatically. Pensioners and disability pension recipients must submit a separate declaration by 30 April 2026 if they want that part of their tax to reach a Public Benefit Organisation.

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What’s happening and who is affected

Each year in Poland many retirees do not have to file a full personal income tax return (PIT) because the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) prepares and submits it on their behalf. That simplified process does not, however, include the optional allocation of 1.5% of paid tax to an Organizacja Pożytku Publicznego (Public Benefit Organisation). To transfer that portion, affected taxpayers must lodge a separate declaration by the statutory deadline — 30 April 2026. If they miss it, the 1.5% remains with the state and is not reallocated later.

How seniors can act — practical steps

There are a few routes for retirees to make sure their chosen charity receives the 1.5%: they can submit the required form in person, ask a trusted relative or legal proxy to help, or use the electronic services platform. For those comfortable with online services, check PUE ZUS (Platforma Usług Elektronicznych) and the government e‑tax services. If in doubt, contact your local ZUS branch or the charity you wish to support — many organisations provide step‑by‑step assistance for donors. The most important detail is the deadline: any declaration must be filed by 30 April 2026 for tax year 2025, otherwise the allocation cannot be made.

Why this matters to expats and families

For English‑speaking expats in Poland, this is relevant for two reasons. First, if you or an older relative receives a Polish pension, missing the declaration means losing an easy way to support local NGOs — funds that could help culture, health or community projects will not reach them. Second, many expat households assist elderly family members with administration; knowing about the separate 1.5% form can prevent inadvertent loss of charity donations. Finally, if you receive pension income from Poland while living abroad you should confirm whether your tax settlement is handled by ZUS and whether you are eligible to redirect the 1.5%.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: In Poland, many pensioners do not need to file a full annual tax return because the ZUS prepares their PIT settlement. However, the optional 1.5% tax donation (a small share of your paid tax) must be requested separately — it is not part of the automatic ZUS settlement. To ensure a chosen Organizacja Pożytku Publicznego (Public Benefit Organisation, OPP) receives the funds, file the dedicated declaration by 30 April 2026. If you help an elderly relative, check their paperwork or contact ZUS / the charity for assistance; many NGOs and local ZUS offices can help complete the short form or submit it via PUE ZUS.

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