On 17th April 2020, the so-called “anti-crisis shield” law 2.0 has been published in the Journal of Laws of the Republic of Poland (Dziennik Ustaw) after being signed by the President.
Support measures for entrepreneurs
The new legislation introduces adjustments to support instruments offered to entrepreneurs at crisis. It prescribes various forms of business aid from the Industrial Development Agency aimed at sustaining financial liquidity. For example, to ensure the efficient day-to-day functioning of business, loans with a 15-month grace period will be granted. The priority regarding assistance from the Agency will be given to industries that have been most affected by the crisis, such as the transportation industry.
According to the anti-crisis law 2.0, it will be possible to reapply for the economical standstill benefit (3 times maximum) for any natural person conducting business activity. Additionally, the new regulation intends to increase the availability of loans to micro-entrepreneurs.
Tax regulations
The amendments to the law provide that tax capital groups will maintain their status throughout 2020, even if they have not met the viability and tax clearance requirements, as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic-related crisis.
The drafted regulation includes several procedural provisions as well. Importantly, the deadline to prepare the local transfer pricing documentation will be postponed until September 30th and the group documentation - until the end of 2020.
The proposed legislation also states that the financial resources allocated to the COVID-19 prevention will be exempted from law enforcement measures.
Additionally, the anti-crisis measures 2.0 implement a statutory exemption from civil law activities tax for the exchange and sale of virtual currencies as well as a deferral of perpetual usufruct fees in a regulation, no later than until Dec. 31st 2020.
Further social security contributions waivers
One of the objectives of the new legislation is to extend the scope of the regulation regarding social security contributions waiver. According to the draft, enterprises that employ 10-49 insured employees will be qualified for a waiver (amounting to 50% of the combined social security contributions due).
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