How to verify the credibility of a tax advisor in Poland?

Have you considered the steps you should take to ensure that the Polish tax advisor you plan to work with truly meets the highest standards? In Poland, tax advisory is a regulated profession, and choosing the wrong specialist can result in serious financial and legal consequences. In this article, we will guide you on how to verify the credibility of a tax advisor, how their role differs from that of an accountant, and what steps you should take to find a professional who will provide top-level support.

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Who is a tax advisor in Poland?

A tax advisor in Poland is a trusted public profession regulated in the Tax Advisory Act of July 5, 1996. To obtain the title of tax advisor, a candidate must have a higher education degree, complete professional training, and pass exams organized by the Ministry of Finance. Additionally, the individual must demonstrate an impeccable character and provide evidence of reliable performance of their duties. A tax advisor is obliged to adhere to professional ethics and maintain confidentiality, emphasizing their crucial role in protecting clients’ interests.

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What responsibilities does a tax advisor have?

A tax advisor in Poland deals with a wide range of services related to tax law, including

• Providing advisory and opinions on tax obligations,
• Preparing tax declarations,
• Representing clients before tax authorities and administrative courts,
• Assisting with the settlement of public-law dues and receivables,
• Advising on international tax law,
• Supporting entrepreneurs in acquiring EU funds.

It is important to note that the professional execution of certain tasks is reserved for authorized subjects. According to the law, depending on the task, authorized subjects encompass tax advisors, lawyers, legal counselors, or auditors.

Did you know? A legal counselor has broader authority than a tax advisor. While the scope of a legal counselor’s competencies generally covers the same tasks as a tax advisor, a legal counselor also holds additional powers specified in the Legal Counsel Act of July 6, 1982 (Journal of Laws 2024, item 499), which makes his role more extensive than that of a tax advisor.

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How does the work of a tax advisor differ from that of an accountant?

The main difference between a tax advisor and an accountant lies in the scope of duties and authority. An accountant is primarily responsible for processing the accounting work and the financial ledger, preparing balance sheets, and settling taxes. A tax advisor, on the other hand, focuses on more advanced legal and tax matters, such as representing clients before administrative courts, certifying documents, and providing advice on tax optimization. Tax advisors are also bound by professional secrecy, which protects client confidentiality—an obligation that does not apply to accountants. These differences mean that a tax advisor plays a more strategic role, particularly for companies operating in international markets.

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How to verify the credibility of a tax advisor in Poland – Step by step

1. Check the register of tax advisors

The first step is to verify whether the advisor is listed in the official register of tax advisors Poland maintained by the National Chamber of Tax Advisors. Being listed means the advisor has met strict formal requirements, such as completing relevant studies, passing professional exams, and completing two years of professional practice. If the advisor is not listed, it indicates they lack the necessary qualifications and insurance, which should raise a red flag.

Note: It is possible that an individual, despite not being listed in the tax advisors’ register, may still have the authority to provide tax advisory services. This applies, for example, to legal counselors who have the required qualifications to offer tax advisory services but are not mentioned in this list. Therefore, it’s important to ask before entering into cooperation whether the person you plan to work with has the necessary qualifications. For legal counselors, this can be verified using the National Register of Legal Counselors.

Remember, in Poland, the title of tax advisor is legally protected, and unauthorized use of this title carries serious consequences. According to the Tax Advisory Act, individuals who use the title of tax advisor or provide tax advisory services without the proper qualifications may face fines up to 50,000 PLN (approximately €11,710 according to the exchange rate as of January 2025). This responsibility also applies to board members of companies who, without the required qualifications, use the term “tax advisory company” or provide tax advisory services. These regulations are in place to protect clients from dishonest practices and ensure the highest standards of services.

2. Review references and testimonials

The experience and feedback from previous clients can tell you a lot about the quality of a tax advisor’s services. It is worth asking for references or checking online reviews. A professional tax advisor not only has practical knowledge but is also able to offer effective advice in unusual situations.

Question to consider: Does the tax advisor you plan to work with have experience serving international clients?

If your business operates in international markets or you plan to expand abroad, collaborating with an advisor experienced in working with foreign clients may prove crucial. Such a specialist should be familiar with the specifics of tax regulations in other countries, double taxation agreements, and VAT settlement rules for cross-border e-commerce transactions.

3. Analyze the range of services and competencies

A good tax advisor offers a broad range of services, from filling out forms to representing clients before Polish tax authorities, to optimizing accounting processes. Make sure the advisor can comprehensively support your business and that their knowledge is up to date, especially regarding frequent changes in Polish tax law.

It is also worth considering working with larger firms that have a team of specialists. Such firms employ advisors specializing in various tax matters, such as international tax regulations, VAT in e-commerce, tax planning, or tax optimization for cross-border operations. Collaborating with such a team guarantees access to expert knowledge, which can significantly improve the quality of advice and better tailor services to your company’s specific needs.

Recommendation: Ask questions about specific tax issues you’re facing and pay attention to the speed and detail of the responses.

Do you need top-level support? getsix® offers tax advisory services tailored to the specific needs of foreign investors operating in Poland. Our mission is to provide solutions that minimize tax risks and ensure professional representation before administrative authorities and courts. Contact us today. Learn more about our tax advisory services in Poland here: Tax Advisor Poland.

4. Negotiate the terms of cooperation

The fees of tax advisors in Poland vary depending on the scope and frequency of the cooperation. Before signing a contract, make sure that all costs are clearly defined. It’s also important to note whether the advisor offers transparent pricing and what the billing terms are.

5. Choose trust and professionalism

The work of a tax advisor involves more than just numbers and regulations; he also carries the responsibility for your company’s finances. Key qualities include punctuality, reliability, and an understanding of your industry’s specifics.

Keep in mind that a tax advisor is subject to certain restrictions—they cannot provide services in matters where they have previously worked as an employee of a public administration body, a court employee, or a judge. Intuition also plays a role—if something about the advisor’s behavior raises doubts, it may be worth seeking another specialist.

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Summary

Verifying the credibility of a tax advisor in Poland is crucial for foreign entrepreneurs planning investments in Poland. The professionalism of the advisor could determine the success of your business venture on the Polish market.

Can your advisor effectively handle international businesses? Check if they have experience working with foreign clients, understand the specifics of cross-border trade, and are able to represent your company before Polish authorities.

Ask yourself: Do you need comprehensive support? If so, choose a partner who not only offers basic tax services but also provides accounting process optimization, international VAT advisory, and support during audits.

Choosing the right advisor is not only about avoiding potential legal issues but also about optimizing costs and streamlining operations.

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If you have any further questions or require additional information, please contact your business relationship person or use the enquiry form on the HLB Poland website.

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