Taxation of land and buildings – key differences
Land and buildings are taxed on the basis of their area expressed in square metres. Local authorities set tax rates annually, which vary depending on the purpose and use of the property. The highest rates apply to land used for business activities.
In the case of buildings, the tax base is the initial value of the property as determined for fixed asset accounting purposes – without deducting depreciation. The tax rate is up to 2% of this value per annum. The scope of the term ‘structure’ covers a wide range of infrastructure facilities, from storage yards to machine foundations. Identifying them requires precise analysis, as the boundary between a building and a structure has often been blurred and has been the subject of numerous disputes before administrative courts.
Common mistakes made by businesses
One of the most common problems is the incorrect classification of an asset. In practice, situations have arisen where, for example, shelters without walls were treated as buildings, and industrial installations were incorrectly reported as structures. Such errors have a direct impact on the amount of tax liability.
No less important is the issue of the usable floor area of buildings. Business owners often declare the total floor area of a property, failing to exclude stairwells or lift shafts, which, according to the regulations, should not be taxed. Failure to verify room heights also leads to overpayments – areas below 1.40 m are not subject to tax, whilst those between 1.40 m and 2.20 m are counted as half.
Another source of errors is a failure to fulfil reporting obligations to the local authority, e.g. failing to submit a corrected declaration following an extension to the property, a change in land use or the sale of the property. This results in tax arrears and potential penalties, and in some cases an overpayment arising from the payment of property tax on a property that has already been sold.
Opportunities for tax optimisation
The first step towards optimisation is the correct classification of fixed assets. It is worth analysing carefully which items actually constitute buildings within the meaning of the regulations and whether all items listed in the declarations should be subject to tax.
Accurate measurements of the usable floor area of buildings can yield tangible benefits. It is worth commissioning an up-to-date technical survey, particularly following renovations and conversions. In many cases, the tax base is overstated due to the failure to account for areas exempt from taxation.
Another significant tool for optimisation is the review of fixed asset records. Care should be taken to distinguish between structural and technical elements, so that only the portion of the asset’s value that actually constitutes a building is subject to tax.
If overpayments are detected, it is possible to submit a corrected tax return for a period of up to five years back and reclaim the overpaid tax. Regular audits of documentation and the actual condition of the property help to prevent both arrears and excessive tax burdens. Finally, it is worth considering the tax implications as early as the investment planning stage. Completing construction in January rather than December allows the tax liability to be deferred by a full year – however, care must be taken regarding the date on which the property comes into use. Designing properties with tax criteria in mind, for example by functionally separating the residential and commercial sections, can significantly affect the final tax burden.
Summary
Property tax need not be a fixed, uncontrollable cost. Entrepreneurs who manage their assets consciously and ensure the accuracy of their tax returns can realistically reduce the amount payable. The following are of key importance:
- knowledge of the taxation rules,
- keeping data up to date,
- making use of legal optimisation opportunities.
Well-maintained records and regular analysis form the basis for the rational management of a company’s tax liabilities.
The practice includes ongoing advice on administrative and tax law. He has extensive experience in handling judicial, administrative, tax and judicial-administrative proceedings concerning both individual clients and business entities, including that gained through many years of providing services to local government units and other units of the public finance sector.
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