The only thing you need to do as an employee is to send a declaration to the Tax Office (Urzad Skarbowy) according to the data received from your employer.
There are some tax exemptions – you can ask about them at Tax Office as they change every year. It is important to keep all your bills that let you use tax exemptions for 5 years – you can be asked at any time to show them.
How to obtain a Tax Number (NIP)
You can request a tax number (NIP, Numer Identyfikacji Podatkowej) at your local tax office (Urzad Skarbowy). There you will have to fill a form and present your passport and registration card (karta pobytu). If you need a NIP-number for a company or are self-employed, you will have to present additional documentation.
What is the PESEL-Number?
The PESEL is a personal identification number that was introduced in 1979. It stands for Powszechny Elektroniczny System Ewidencji Ludnosci which means general electrical registration system. It contains the following:
- PESEL-number
- Current first names and family names
- Previous first names and family names
- First names and birth names of the parents
- Date and Place of birth
- Gender
- Nationality
- Address and date of registration for permanent residence
- Temporary residence
- Series, number and issuing office of the identity card, passport or residence permit
The number is made up of the reverse of the date of birth, the gender and a sequential number. A man that is born on 13.11.1972 could have the number 72111318199.
You should apply as soon as possible for a PESEL-number. This number is mandatory for all permanent residents and for temporary residents staying for more than 2 months.
You will need the PESEL-number on many occasions: at offices, insurances, for your employer or for medical receipts provided by compulsory health insurance providers.
Even children may apply for a PESEL-number. The request must be made at the authorities of your community or town. You usually only need your identity card or passport, residence permit and registration card to obtain a PESEL-number. The application is then forwarded to Warsaw and should be handled within two to four weeks.