In recent days, there has been a heated debate over deregulation and health insurance contributions. InfoCredit data indicates that truly strong arguments are needed to reverse the unfavorable trend of suspended sole proprietorships (SMEs).

In 2024, nearly 376,000 SMEs were suspended. This was the third consecutive year when a record was broken. Nearly 565,000 SMEs were suspended and closed, compared to 479,000 new and reopened businesses.

January 2024 continued to be weak. Nearly 59,000 businesses were suspended and closed, compared to nearly 39,000 new and reopened businesses.

As a reminder, even in 2020 and 2021, when the pandemic hit hard, the number of suspended businesses was 282,000 and 278,000, respectively. A significant change occurred in 2022, the first year in which the Polish Deal was in effect, when 347,000 businesses were suspended. Self-employed workers (JDG).

What does this mean? The positive economic forecasts for this year and the announcements of major investments are not yet encouraging micro and small entrepreneurs to make bold decisions, open new businesses, and return to the market. Deregulation? Absolutely. However, data shows that costs are still the biggest problem for self-employed workers (JDG).

Fact – as of January 1, 2025, changes have been introduced to reduce the burden of health insurance contributions for entrepreneurs. The minimum contribution base has been reduced to 75% of the minimum wage, allowing those with the lowest income to save up to approximately 105 PLN per month. Additionally, revenue from the sale of fixed assets and intangible assets has been excluded from the contribution base, reducing the burden on companies engaging in such transactions.

I hope the debate over health insurance contributions ends as soon as possible. It’s clear that in business, clear conditions here and now are better than vague promises and unrealistic proposals.