Tax evasion on the mainland

The increased inspections by the tax administration on the Greek islands have led to a notable reduction in tax evasion, but on the mainland the failure to issue receipts and report revenues to the tax office is growing.

It seems that tax evasion has been transferred to continental Greece, and especially at restaurants, coffee bars and retail stores, led by the Peloponnese, which attracts many tourists, both Greek and foreign.

The failure to issue a receipt is not the exception there but the norm, with restaurant owners presenting customers with order slips instead of receipts, while customers are often accomplices. Specifically, in the event that the amount to be paid amounts to 50 euros, a discount of €5 is made without a receipt. So the owner is spared the VAT, while the income goes into his pocket tax-free.

Even if all flagship measures are fully...