"The state from cardboard" - this statement is often mentioned in public space by people who are not satisfied with the government and the regulations in force. No, these are not opponents of the ruling coalition. Similar words were also said when the opposition was in power. It is about expressing dissatisfaction that often simply "doesn't fit in one's mind", and officials insist that they are right. Even if so, the state should automatically do everything to change bad law. Unfortunately, that does not happen. Where there is no political interest, it is hard to find reflection from politicians.
This time the issue concerns the calculation of income tax on charitable actions. The issue was reported by "Rzeczpospolita". It turns out that the tax office requires paying income tax on anonymous contributions. Absurd? No, we have such a right. At least that is how officials interpret its provisions.
They collect money for treatment, they will have to pay a lot
The Tax Office - as "Rzeczpospolita" reports - believes that a contribution from an anonymous donor, i.e. one who does not sign with their name and surname in accordance with the PIT regulations, is not considered a donation. Therefore, such a contribution must be taxed as income. Officials argue that to recognize a contribution as a donation, the office must be able to verify the donor, so when contributing, for example, during an online fundraiser, it is necessary to provide at least a first name and surname, which can help verify the supporting person's data. The problem is that many people - perhaps even most - do not want to admit that they are giving money. They usually do it from the heart. Among such people are celebrities who do not want to disclose which action and how much they supported. This is a completely different situation for business or for example politicians, who may even care about publicity in such actions. Many people understand this, but officials do not. Worse, income tax in such a situation burdens the people who run the fundraiser, i.e. usually those in need.
Will the tax office also knock on WOŚP?
The answer is simple - no. And not because the government happens to support that organization. It follows directly from the regulations the officials refer to. Foundations and associations that run fundraisers do not pay CIT because they pursue statutory purposes. In such a case the beneficiary does not have to pay PIT, which means that to avoid the risk that the tax office suddenly knocks and penalizes the needy person to pay income tax, one should use the help of foundations or associations that will conduct the fundraiser. However, it should be remembered that many such organizations unfortunately do not do this entirely for free. Often a commission is charged for the help in the fundraiser, which is officially transferred to the operation of the organization, including salaries of people working there. This can raise controversy that someone wants to profit from human suffering, but on the other hand, those people simply work this way, dedicating time and their skills so that the fundraiser is effective. In return, they expect financial gratification.
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