Cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum or Litecoin, are gaining popularity in Poland, and the number of investors interested in this market is growing every day. As a result, many people wonder whether investing in cryptocurrencies is legal in Poland. In this article, we will discuss the legal aspects of cryptocurrencies in Poland, and explain what laws and regulations apply to investing in virtual currencies in our country.

1. Regulation of cryptocurrencies in Poland

In Poland, cryptocurrencies are recognized as means of payment, not currency in the traditional sense. Polish law regulates cryptocurrencies, but these regulations are relatively young and are still evolving. An important source of law that regulates cryptocurrencies is the Law of March 1, 2018 on Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing. Based on this law, Polish financial supervisory authorities, such as. Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) and the Ministry of Finance, are developing detailed regulations on cryptocurrency trading.

2. Cryptocurrencies and taxes in Poland

Investing in cryptocurrencies is subject to taxation in Poland. Profits earned from cryptocurrency-related transactions are taxed according to the tax scale, which is 18% for income up to PLN 85,528 and 32% for income above that amount. Taxpayers are required to self-report their profits from cryptocurrencies in their PIT tax return.

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It is worth noting that according to Polish tax law, also losses incurred on investments in cryptocurrencies can be taken into account when calculating income tax. These losses can be deducted from profits earned from other sources of income, thus reducing the tax base. However, it is worth consulting a tax advisor to determine your exact tax situation.

3. Cryptocurrency exchanges and cryptocurrency-related services

Cryptocurrency exchanges and other entities providing cryptocurrency-related services in Poland must meet certain legal requirements and report to the relevant register kept by the Polish Financial Supervision Authority (KNF). Such entities are required to implement AML (anti-money laundering) and KYC (know your customer) procedures to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing. In practice, this means that exchanges and other cryptocurrency service providers must verify the identity of their customers and monitor suspicious transactions.

4. Cryptocurrencies and consumer law

Investors in cryptocurrencies in Poland can enjoy the legal protection provided for consumers. If an investor uses a cryptocurrency exchange or other cryptocurrency service provider that does not comply with applicable laws, he or she may report his or her concerns to the relevant authorities, such as the following OCCP (Office of Competition and Consumer Protection) or the Consumer Ombudsman. In the case of disputes related to cryptocurrency investments, investors can also enlist the help of lawyers specializing in financial law.

Summary

Cryptocurrencies are legal in Poland, however, are subject to certain regulations, especially in the areas of anti-money laundering and terrorist financing. Investors in cryptocurrencies must also be mindful of their tax obligations and the legal protections provided for consumers. As the cryptocurrency market grows, the laws in Poland are subject to change, so it's worth keeping up to date on the subject and possibly consulting a legal or tax advisor to avoid misunderstandings and potential problems.