Independent Authority

New overdue debts to the taxman climbed to 2.63 billion euros in the first three months of the year, recording an increase of 389 million euros, according to data released by the  Independent Authority for Public Revenue on Friday.
In March alone, these debts stood at 2.50 billion euros, jumping by 468 million euros in 30 days.

The Independent Authority for Public Revenue on Tuesday announced plans to conduct more than 200,000 inspections this year across the entire spectrum of financial activity in Greece.
Its objective is the collection of 7 billion euros in 2019 from confiscations, auctions and overdue arrears settlements, up from 6 billion euros collected last year.

Port authorities on the Ionian island of Corfu confiscated 55,400 8-gram canisters of laughing gas (nitrous oxide) on Wednesday.

According to the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (IAPR), the canisters containing the gas also known as "hippy crack" - as well as balloons containing N2O - were found in a warehouse owned by an alcoholic drinks trader.

Homeowners leasing their properties through platforms like Airbnb or HomeAway have until February 28 to register these assets with the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE).

Owners can also use the authority's online platform to correct or amend any details pertaining to the property they are offering as a vacation rental.

The long list of tax evaders identified by the Independent Authority for Public Revenue in the second half of last year includes doctors, lawyers, funeral parlors, private investigators and pensioners and shows that several sectors of the economy are more prone to tax evasion.

Married couples will be able to submit separate income tax declarations next spring for their 2018 incomes, provided they submit an application to that effect to the Independent Authority for Public Revenue by February 28.

The policy of high taxation and levies, such as the solidarity tax and the exorbitant ENFIA property tax that has wrought destruction on the middle class, is taking an unbearable toll on Greek households, according to the latest data published by the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (IAPR).

Almost 600,000 Greeks were added to the long list of state debtors over the summer, according to a report by the Parliamentary Budget Office, with experts viewing the development as a sign of deterioration for the country's private economy.

Outstanding income tax and value-added tax rebates of up to 10,000 euros will be immediately paid out to businesses and individuals without any need for inspections, according to a circular issued on Wednesday by the Independent Authority for Public Revenue in accordance with the legislation.

A Finance Ministry source responded to a Kathimerini question on the decision to grant employees at the ministry a pay rise, arguing that the aim is to increase the salaries of employees who hold high-responsibility positions at supervised entities, such as the Independent Authority of Public Revenue.