Correction of the annual tax return relating to personal income tax – selected issues

Abstract

Personal income tax is constructed on the basis of the so-called self-calculation, i.e. the filing of a relevant tax return by a taxpayer. Taxpayer’s obligation to submit an annual tax return is associated with the possibility of correcting this type of return, in particular in respect of formal errors (e.g. with regard to the identification data of the return filing person) or accounting errors. Tax return correction may involve both a decrease in the amount to be paid (overpayment) and the need to increase the amount of liability. If the tax liability is disclosed in an amount higher than stated in the previous tax return, the taxpayer is obliged to calculate and pay not only the amount of arrears, but also interest on such arrears. Correction of the annual personal income tax return is considered, as a rule, the taxpayer’s right, although, if the prerequisites specified in Article 274 of the Tax Code are met, the tax authority may require the return filing person to correct it or it may make a relevant correction ex officio. Correction of the return results in the original return losing its “legal existence” and the corrected version becoming binding. This article presents issues related to the admissibility and effects of filing a correction to the annual tax return relating to personal income tax. Taking into account the fact that natural persons residing in the territory of the Republic of Poland are subject to unlimited tax liability in respect of personal income tax, work on increased transparency of the analyzed regulations should be urged.