Three Decades of Accounting Regulations in Poland: Evolution and Future Perspectives

Purpose: The purpose of the article is to identify the most important changes that have taken place in Polish accounting regulations over the 30 years of development of the market economy in Poland. The changes are presented in the context of transition in the business environment and transformation of accounting regulations in Europe. Design/ Methodoloy/Approach: The article uses the deductive method and is based on studies of accounting regulations and literature. It is mainly based on the analysis of source documents, such as the Journals of Laws. It focuses on the transformation of the Polish Accounting Act. After a brief introduction to the topic, the main changes in the Polish Accounting Act, from year 1994 to year 2024, are presented. Proposed future changes to the regulations are indicated. The article ends with conclusions and recommendations for the future development of the regulations. Findings: The article presents the development and changes in Polish accounting regulations during over 30 years. The transformation of accounting is a continuous process, and Poland is currently on the threshold of another significant change in this subject. The current regulations do not keep up with the dynamically changing business environment. Especially in the area of digitalization of all aspects concerning accounting and reporting, which is based on information provided by the accounting system. Over these 30 years, business transactions have changed, new models of conducting business have emerged, which did not exist in previous years. As a result, new information needs have occurred, especially in the area of corporate social responsibility and corporate impact on the natural environment. Practical Implications: The article is a basis for further research on the development of accounting regulations. Especially their connections with other Polish regulations, for example tax regulations, which have a huge impact on the digitalization of accounting in Poland. Additionally, after Poland's accession to the European Union, the greatest direct impact, on accounting regulations in Poland, has the law, which is created in the European Union for the member states. Originallity/Value: The paper presents the transformation of accounting regulations in Poland over the last 30 years (1994-2024). It shows the directions of the transformation and the prospects for future changes.