KSeF / JPK / Digitalization

JPK_VAT in 2026
New Requirements and Filing Deadlines

April 7, 2026 14 min read Michał Kowalczyk

JPK_VAT (Jakość-Pełna Komunikacja VAT) is the mandatory format for electronic exchange of tax data with the National Tax Administration. In 2026, new requirements have been introduced for the JPK_V7M structure, filing deadlines have changed, and KSeF integration rules have been clarified. In this guide, we explain exactly what has changed, the new deadlines, GTU codes, and how to avoid penalties for late filing.

What is JPK_VAT and Why Is It Mandatory?

JPK_VAT is an electronic file containing all data about sales and purchases (VAT transactions) for a given taxpayer. This file is submitted directly to the National Tax Administration (KAS) in a standardized XML format.

JPK_VAT requirement applies to:

  • All VAT taxpayers — regardless of business size
  • VAT-exempt taxpayers — if they conduct VATable sales
  • Public sector units — with specific exceptions
  • Self-employed individuals — if they have VAT income

This obligation stems from EU VAT Directive and tax law. JPK_VAT is a tool to fight the gray economy and tax optimization.

JPK_V7M Structure — What the New Format Contains

JPK_V7M is the latest version of JPK_VAT format. It replaced the previous JPK_V6M version. The file structure contains the following elements:

Element Description Example
Header Taxpayer data, reporting period, preparation date NIP, period 04/2026, date 2026-04-25
Row 1 Sales summary net and VAT (changed logic) Domestic sales: 50,000 PLN, VAT: 9,750 PLN
Row 3 Detailed sales register — each invoice separately Invoice number, date, net amount, VAT rate, GTU
Rows 4 and 4a Detailed purchases register — each invoice separately Supplier invoice number, date, net amount, VAT
GTU Codes Identifiers for special transactions (fuel, metals, etc.) GTU-01 (fuel), GTU-08 (energy)
Digital Signature Signed with XADES algorithm in RSA-SHA256 standard Qualified signature certificate

New JPK_VAT Filing Deadlines in 2026

One of the major changes in 2026 is standardizing JPK_VAT filing deadlines.

Filing deadline: JPK_VAT for a given month must be filed by the 25th of the following month. Exception: if the 25th falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline shifts to the next business day.

2026 deadline examples:

  • January JPK_VAT → by February 25, 2026 (Friday)
  • February JPK_VAT → by March 25, 2026 (Wednesday)
  • March JPK_VAT → by April 25, 2026 (Saturday) → extended to April 27 (Monday)
  • April JPK_VAT → by May 25, 2026 (Monday)

Change from previous years: The deadline moved from the 20th to the 25th of the following month. This change aligns with EU calendar and KSeF harmonization.

GTU Codes in JPK_VAT — When to Use Them

GTU (Simplified Commercial Transactions) codes identify special VAT transactions subject to specific rules or increased supervision.

Complete GTU codes list for 2026:

  • GTU-01 — Diesel, gasoline, liquid gas, waste oils sales
  • GTU-02 — Precious metals sales (gold, silver, platinum, palladium)
  • GTU-03 — Recycled raw materials sales (metals, paper, plastics)
  • GTU-04 — Machinery, equipment, or spare parts sales
  • GTU-05 — Medicines, medical devices, cosmetics sales
  • GTU-06 — Wheat, rye, corn, potato sales
  • GTU-07 — Antique artworks, antiques, collections sales
  • GTU-08 — Electricity, gas, heat sales
  • GTU-09 — Image or personal property rights sales
  • GTU-10 — Electronics and telecom equipment sales
  • GTU-11 — Goods transport services (domestic and international)
  • GTU-12 — Construction and earthwork services
  • GTU-13 — Motor vehicle sales

Where are GTU codes entered? In JPK_V7M, GTU codes are entered on row 33 (GTU field) for each sales invoice meeting the code criteria.

Important: Using a GTU code is mandatory if the invoice meets criteria — failure to comply may be treated as a breach and result in penalties.

Integrating JPK_VAT with KSeF System

From April 2026, mandatory e-invoicing via KSeF (National e-Invoicing System) expands. JPK_VAT must be fully consistent with data submitted to KSeF.

What does this mean practically?

  • Each invoice submitted to KSeF must appear in JPK_VAT
  • VAT amounts must be identical in both systems
  • VAT dates must match (issuance date vs. receipt date)
  • If you correct an invoice in KSeF, you must also change JPK_VAT

KSeF mandatory schedule in 2026:

  • From 04.01.2026 — KSeF mandatory for B2B transactions (business to business)
  • From 07.01.2026 — KSeF mandatory for B2C transactions (business to consumer)
  • From 10.01.2026 — Full mandate for all taxpayers

Correcting JPK_VAT — What to Do If There's an Error

If you discover an error in already-filed JPK_VAT, you must file a correction. The correction procedure in JPK_V7M has changed from earlier versions.

Two ways to correct JPK_VAT:

1. Margin correction — for reversed transactions

If you want to cancel an invoice (e.g., goods return), file JPK_VAT with a reversal (minus before amount). File this in the next reporting period.

2. JPK_VAT correction — for changes to already-filed invoices

If you changed data on an invoice (e.g., incorrectly entered amount, buyer address), you must file in a special file marked as a correction. The file contains:

  • Row 9 — notation that it's a correction (TYPE = 'K')
  • Reference numbers of corrected invoices
  • Changed amounts and data
  • Tax declaration statement

Sometimes you must also file corrected JPK_VAT for the entire period where the error appeared.

Penalties for Late or Incorrect JPK_VAT

Failing to file or late-filing JPK_VAT results in administrative penalties.

Penalty for missing JPK_VAT: 100 PLN per day of delay (maximum 30,000 PLN). A 30-day delay results in 3,000 PLN penalty.

Penalty for JPK_VAT errors: If discrepancies with actual transactions are found, KAS may impose 100–1,000 PLN penalties depending on error scale.

Official interest: Interest may be added to penalties for unpaid VAT (from the date VAT should have been paid).

How to avoid penalties:

  • File JPK_VAT on time (by the 25th of the following month)
  • Use accounting software that automatically generates JPK_VAT
  • Check data consistency with KSeF and documents
  • If you discover an error, file correction immediately
  • Keep JPK_VAT copy for at least 5 years

Digital Tools for JPK_VAT Preparation

Preparing JPK_VAT requires speed and precision. Several solutions are available on the market:

1. Accounting software with JPK module

  • Faktury.pl — automatic JPK_VAT generation, KSeF integration
  • Moje Finanse — for small firms, easy interface
  • Comarch ERP Optima — advanced system for larger firms
  • Sage 100 — full accounting integration
  • CDN XL — classic solution for accounting offices

2. Dedicated JPK_VAT platforms

  • JPK.gov.pl — KAS portal for online JPK_VAT filing
  • Wyod.gov.pl — file verification system before submission
  • Ksef.mf.gov.pl — KSeF portal (e-invoicing)

3. Accounting firm services

Many accounting offices prepare JPK_VAT for clients. Cost typically 50–150 PLN per monthly JPK (depending on complexity).

Tip: Choose software with KAS compliance certificate (at least for JPK_V7M).

FAQ: Most Common Issues

Q: Must an unregistered taxpayer file JPK_VAT?

A: No. JPK_VAT is mandatory only for VAT-registered taxpayers. Self-employed without VAT don't need to file JPK_VAT.

Q: Can I file JPK_VAT for 3 months at once?

A: No. JPK_VAT must be filed separately for each month. Filing one file for multiple months will be rejected by KAS.

Q: What if JPK_VAT file is corrupted or won't open?

A: KAS system will automatically reject files with validation errors. You'll get an error message — fix the file in accounting software and resubmit.

Q: Do I need an electronic certificate to sign JPK_VAT?

A: Yes. JPK_VAT must be digitally signed with a qualified certificate. Most accounting programs handle this automatically — you just log into KAS (the system has its own certificate).

Q: Can I use older JPK versions, like JPK_V6M?

A: No. From 2026, only JPK_V7M is accepted. Older versions are no longer accepted by KAS.

Q: What currency should I use in JPK_VAT?

A: Only PLN. If you conduct transactions in foreign currency, convert to PLN using the exchange rate from transaction date (NBP rate).