The state ZUS pension is not enough for most Poles. That is why a growing number of people turn to the 3rd pension pillar: IKE (Individual Retirement Account) and IKZE (Individual Retirement Security Account). Both instruments offer tax advantages but work differently. Here is everything you need to know in 2026.
IKE — Individual Retirement Account
IKE is an account where you can accumulate money without paying the 19% Belka capital gains tax — provided you withdraw after the age of 60 (or 55 with early retirement) and have made contributions for at least 5 years.
IKE Contribution Limit in 2026
The maximum annual contribution to IKE equals three times the average national salary. In 2026 that is approximately 26,019 PLN.
Advantages of IKE
- No Belka tax on withdrawal after meeting conditions.
- Freedom to choose instruments: deposits, funds, ETFs, shares, bonds.
- No mandatory regular contributions.
- Inherited funds are exempt from inheritance tax.
IKZE — Individual Retirement Security Account
IKZE provides an additional benefit: contributions are deducted from taxable income in PIT — generating a real tax saving today. On withdrawal you pay a flat 10% tax instead of the standard 19% Belka tax.
IKZE Contribution Limit in 2026
The limit equals 1.2× the average national salary for employees (or 1.8× for the self-employed). In 2026 that is approximately 10,407 PLN (employees) and 15,610 PLN (self-employed).
Advantages of IKZE
- Immediate PIT deduction: at the 12% tax rate, saving approximately 1,249 PLN per year at maximum contribution; at 32% — approximately 3,330 PLN.
- Withdrawal after age 65 is taxed at only 10%.
- Inherited by beneficiaries at a 10% flat rate (vs 19% on a bank deposit).
IKE vs IKZE — Which to Choose?
| Feature | IKE | IKZE |
|---|---|---|
| Immediate tax relief | None | Yes (income deduction) |
| Tax on withdrawal | None (after age 60) | 10% (after age 65) |
| 2026 limit | ~26,019 PLN | ~10,407 / 15,610 PLN |
| Early withdrawal | Belka tax 19% | PIT scale tax + 75% return of contributions |
For most employees the optimal strategy is to maximise IKZE first (for the PIT deduction), then invest any surplus into IKE.
IKZE Tax Saving Example
Anna earns 8,000 PLN gross (1st PIT bracket, 12%). She contributes the maximum 10,407 PLN to IKZE in 2026.
- Income deduction: 10,407 PLN
- Tax saved: 10,407 × 12% = 1,249 PLN tax refund
- Real cost of the investment: 10,407 − 1,249 = 9,158 PLN
Calculate your IKZE benefit: IKZE Calculator Poland 2026 →