Apple could soon be dealing with new tax rules in Poland as the country moves forward with plans for a digital services tax. The proposal is still in early stages, but it signals a broader push to make large tech companies pay more tax on revenue generated within local markets. If approved, companies like Apple would likely see new costs tied to their digital services business.
The new rules would create a tax of up to 3 percent on specific revenues
Right now, local Polish businesses often end up paying higher tax rates than the global internet companies operating in their backyard. Poland wants to fix that imbalance. The new rules would create a tax of up to three percent on specific digital revenues. This includes money made from online advertising, data trading, and platforms that connect users.
However, the government is not going after small startups. The law specifically targets the heavyweights. To get hit by this new tax, a company must have a global revenue of over one billion euros, plus make at least 25 million zlotys locally in Poland. Apple easily fits into that category, meaning its app store fees and digital subscription revenues in the country would likely be taxed under the new system.
Legislation like this could damage relations between the two countries
This proposal is not exactly a surprise, but it is definitely causing political friction. The United States government historically pushes back against these specific digital taxes because they primarily impact American businesses. In fact, the US ambassador to Poland recently warned that this kind of legislation could damage relations between the two countries.
Despite the warnings, Polish officials are moving forward. They argue that the extra money will go directly toward funding local technology development and upgrading the digital infrastructure of the country. They see it as a simple matter of fair competition.
The bill is still in the early stages of being drafted. We will have to wait and see if Poland actually passes the law or if international pressure forces it to back down.
