Mandatory Disclosure Rules – Selected Problems

Abstract

The article deals with issues related to the introduction of provisions concerning mandatory disclosure and tax reporting rules (MDR) in the Polish legal system. Due to the multifaceted nature and level of complexity of these new regulations, the article focuses on those aspects that are most relevant for activities carried out on the insurance market. Contrary to the common understanding of the concept of a tax scheme, reporting obligations under the MDR include transactions and operations related to tax optimization as well as standard advice or activity, as long as they meet statutory conditions. In addition, the scope of entities responsible for the implementation of the MDR is wide. Apart from the entity that "uses" the scheme, the reporting duties can apply to almost everyone who is professionally involved in the scheme's development, organization, or implementation. The first months of the new regulations have shown that interpretation and application are not only time-consuming, but more importantly, burdened with significant risks. Their sources include, firstly, the extremely vague and complicated provisions themselves, and, secondly, the practical considerations related to the possibility of the misinterpretation of facts or of defective assessments in situations where participants have limited knowledge or experience. These risks are of key importance due to the fact that the incorrect application of the MDR regulations can result in penal fiscal sanctions for those responsible for their implementation.