At first glance, this might seem like a quick and easy way to earn extra money. However, the tax office recently exposed a very dangerous practice that increasingly targets students under 26. It's worth knowing what this really entails—because the consequences can be dire.
What does this procedure involve?
Students are being tricked into signing fictitious invoices worth tens of thousands of złoty. The documents purport to cover services such as:
- office work,
- text editing,
- creating graphics.
The problem is that in practice, no work is done. The receipts are then used by dishonest companies to artificially reduce taxes.
In return, the student receives a few hundred złoty in cash. Sounds tempting? Only seemingly.
Why is this a very bad idea?
While the risk may seem small, the consequences are very serious. Signing a fictitious invoice constitutes false certification, a crime punishable by imprisonment from six months to eight years.
Additionally, the student is liable for fiscal penalties for aiding and abetting tax evasion by a company using such documents.
A few hundred zlotys versus your future
In this whole "arrangement," the student takes on a huge risk, while the real benefit accrues to others. A few hundred złoty isn't worth:
- problems with the law,
- criminal proceedings,
- risk of serious consequences in the future.
The most important rule
Never sign bills for services you did not perform.
Even if someone tries to convince you that “it’s no big deal,” “everyone does it,” or “no one will know.”
Have you been offered something that "sounds too good to be true"? Contact us to find out if the offer is legal and if you might face legal consequences.
