Cryptocurrency tax evaders in Poland may face a maximum punitive tax rate of 75%, as the implementation of the DAC8 directive accelerates regulatory tightening

According to market news, Polish President Karol Nawrocki signed a new law earlier this month, officially incorporating the EU DAC8 directive into national legislation. Investors who fail to report cryptocurrency gains as required will face a punitive tax rate of up to 75%.

DAC8 refers to the eighth amendment of the EU Directive on Administrative Cooperation in the Field of Direct Taxation, specifically targeting digital assets. It requires platforms such as exchanges, brokers, and wallet service providers to collect user and transaction data and report it to tax authorities. Tax departments of member countries will automatically share this information. The Polish National Revenue Administration (KAS) will use this to understand the holdings and trading activities of domestic cryptocurrency investors. According to local media estimates, about 3 million people in Poland hold cryptocurrencies, but currently only about 1% of investors pay taxes in accordance with the law. Under current regulations, cryptocurrency trading income must be reported via the PIT-38 form by April 30, 2026, and is subject to a unified capital gains tax rate of 19%; mining and staking rewards are tax-exempt when received, but taxes must be paid when converted to fiat currency.