What is the Single Audit File?

 

The Standard Audit File for Tax is a collection of data (database), consisting of the information systems of entrepreneur, including information on business operations for the period in question, with layout and format allowing easy processing.  In other words, it is the standard by which the data is submitted to the tax authorities.  This data will need to be submitted to the Ministry of Finance in accordance with the template (in accordance with electronic format XML).

 

Who is required to draw up SAF-T

 

Importantly, at first (from 1.07.2016) this obligation will apply to big companies (over 250 employees).  By the end of June 2018, smaller firms will be able to provide the data in the form of a standard audit file voluntarily.

Since July 2018 both small and medium-sized enterprises and micro enterprises will also have to provide at the request in the form of SAF-T all data, inter alia, of:  accounting books, bank statements, warehouse records, records of purchases and sales, VAT invoices and simplified records.

 

What data will the single audit file contain?

 

Data to be submitted to the tax authorities in a single file will concern certain types of tax books and accounting evidence.  The Ministry of Finance has prepared a set of reporting formats and data required (the so-called structure) in areas such as:

  • accounting books JPK_KR
  • bank statement JPK_WB
  • warehouse (adoption from the outside, exit, internal expenditure, movements in the stock) JPK_MAG
  • records of the purchase and sale of VAT JPK_VAT
  • invoices (the invoices) JPK_FA
  • tax revenue and expense ledger JPK_PKPIR
  • records of revenue JPK_EWP

 

Data standards and formats of SAF-T also include details of receipts and reports from cash registers and records for the excise duty and currency exchange offices.

For example, in the case of stock turnover, single audit file should include data such as:  the price of the goods, the unit of measurement, the value of the goods, the consignees of the goods, or invoice numbers.  The accounting and financial program should ensure coverage of precisely the information that will require the tax authorities in SAF-T.

 

source: Polish Ministry of Finance web site