One effective way to save for retirement while simultaneously lowering your tax burden is through an Individual Retirement Security Account (IKZE). This unique savings instrument allows taxpayers to deduct contributions from their taxable income, reducing their tax liability. While similar to an Individual Retirement Account (IKE), IKZE has distinct tax advantages and withdrawal conditions. 

Who can benefit from IKZE tax relief?

Since January 1, 2012, all taxpayers have been able to contribute to IKZE and invest their funds within the program. The following groups are eligible for tax relief if they make contributions and file their tax returns under one of these categories: 

• taxation under the progressive tax scale (PIT-36, PIT-37), 
• flat tax rate (PIT-36L – 19%), 
• lump-sum taxation on recorded revenue (PIT-28).

However, some taxpayers are not eligible for this tax relief, including:  

• those taxed under the fixed-rate tax card system (PIT-16A), 
• investors earning stock market income (PIT-38), 
• taxpayers reporting income from real estate sales (PIT-39), 
• individuals earning up to 200 PLN from civil law contracts, taxed at a lump sum rate.

Where can you claim the IKZE tax deduction?

The tax deduction applies in the same fiscal year in which contributions are made. Unused deductions cannot be carried forward to future years, making it important to optimize contributions annually. 

Contribution limits for IKZE in 2025

Contributions to IKZE are subject to annual limits defined by law. The maximum amounts you can contribute in 2025 are: 

For individuals: 10,407.60 PLN

For business owners: 15,611.40 PLN

If contributions exceed the limit, the excess amount cannot be deducted from taxable income. 

How to calculate your tax deduction? 

The deduction is applied when filing your annual tax return by reducing the taxable base. This deduction applies to: 

• income taxed under the progressive tax scale 

• income taxed at the flat 19% tax rate, 

• revenue taxed as a lump sum on recorded income. 

It is essential to ensure that your taxable income is high enough to maximize the benefit. For example:  If you contribute 9,000 PLN to IKZE but your taxable income is only 8,000 PLN, you can only deduct 8,000 PLN. The remaining 1,000 PLN is lost, as it cannot be carried forward to the next year. 

How to document your right to the IKZE deduction? 

To claim the deduction, taxpayers must retain documentation proving their contributions. Accepted documents include:

• bank transfer confirmations, 
• receipts or statements from IKZE providers, 
• employer-issued documentation (if contributions were made via payroll deductions).

Which tax return forms should you use? 

To claim the IKZE deduction, contributions must be reported on one of the following tax forms:

• PIT-28 – lump-sum taxation on recorded revenue, 

• PIT-36 – progressive taxation for business owners, 

• PIT-37 – progressive taxation for individuals, 

• PIT-36L – flat tax rate (19%).

Additionally, taxpayers must include Form PIT/O, which details tax deductions. 

IKZE provides a unique opportunity to reduce income tax while building retirement savings. However, to maximize benefits, taxpayers should pay close attention to contribution limits and eligibility criteria.

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Text based on: https://www.podatki.gov.pl/pit/ulgi-odliczenia-i-zwolnienia/wplaty-na-indywidualne-konto-zabezpieczenia-emerytalnego-ikze/; https://www.e-pity.pl/ulgi-odliczenia/odliczenie-na-emeryture-ikze/