Informal economy

Tax audits have made a huge leap in recent years, mostly in terms of their quality and not so much in terms of their number, which is more or less on the same level as previous years

Bureau audits, complex cross-checks and data now obtained from dozens of sources have curbed tax evasion, uncovering undeclared income.

The deployment of new technologies has made Greek authorities more adept at detecting tax evasion. Inspections are more targeted, more extensive, more transparent. 

However, the detection of violations does not automatically lead to the collection of the imposed fine. No algorithm has yet been found that will make the real punishment of tax evasion as effective as the inspections.

Incomes totaling around 1 billion euros were hidden by 1,048 taxpayers and businesses, but were revealed by the audits carried out last year by the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE).

The Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) is establishing a special forces squad for tax and customs audits.

The new large prosecution unit will take over the control of smuggling and tax evasion, with tax and customs officers working directly together, with the assistance of the AADE business chamber.

Tax authorities are now looking at social media and the internet to identify and track tax evaders.

Deputy National Economy and Finance Minister Harry Theoharis paid a visit to Larissa, central Greece, on Tuesday to meet with local economic agencies as part of an effort to boost regional areas and reforms.

The Greek tax administration (AADE) intends to launch sweeping audits of businesses, based on the average turnover per sector and what self-employed professionals and businesses have declared on the myDATA electronic platform.

Greece's tax authority uncovered tax evasion totalling three million euros at an Athens night club.

Following a tip, the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) discovered that the business had not submitted a tax return that for the 2022 tax year, concealing revenues of 2.7 million euros, while also avoiding the payment of VAT totalling 255,000 euros.

Taxi drivers participated in a work stoppage in Athens from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, which was followed by a protest rally at the Ministry of Transport to demonstrate against a new tax bill designed to crack down on tax evasion of self-employed professionals. Τhey have also announced a 24-hour strike for November 22.

The tax bill that was submitted to public consultation on Tuesday renders permanent the tax deduction for real estate renovations, among other provisions.