Prop trading and business activity. Proprietary trading – often called “prop trading” – has gained tremendous popularity in recent years. By allowing traders to operate with someone else’s capital, it removes one of the main barriers to entering financial markets: the lack of sufficient personal funds. That’s why prop trading is such an attractive option for many talented individuals looking to scale their operations. However, alongside the clear benefits, it’s crucial not to overlook the formal and legal aspects — especially when it comes to tax compliance. A key question arises: how should income from prop trading be classified under Polish tax law — as business activity or as income from personally performed services (e.g., under a contract for services)? This distinction has important tax implications. In this article, we explore that relationship — prop trading and business activity — in detail.