Independent Authority

"Nobody is above the law," Economy and Finance Minister Kostis Hatzidakis has stressed, in the context of the spat between his ministry and taxi unions over the obligation of cabbies to inform passengers that fares can be paid by card.

The auditing mechanism of the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) is homing in on undeclared income from short-term rentals, while also putting all betting companies operating in Greece in its crosshairs.

AADE (Independent Authority for Public Revenue) has launched a series of cross-checks to detect the movement of funds that are not justified by the declared income on tax returns. These checks focus on deposits and transfers to and from abroad, as well as income earned from third countries by Greek tax residents.

Some 60% of bar and hair salon owners, 47% of restaurant and car repair shop owners, 43% of veterinarians and 22% of taxi drivers and owners, among other occupations, reported losses for 2023 incomes.

“Across Greece, a typical Airbnb host rents out a home for just 24 nights a year, and more than one in two report that the additional income from this activity helps them maintain their homes,” said Valentina Reino, Head of Public Policy for Southern Europe at Airbnb, in response to the government’s announcement of new regulations on short-term rentals in Greece.

Minister of Development Takis Theodorikakos proposed the appointment of Anna Stratinakis as the new Consumer Ombudsman, a decision that was approved by the majority of the Special Standing Committee on Institutions and Transparency of Parliament. Her nomination will be formally presented by the Minister at the next Cabinet meeting, where she is expected to assume her duties immediately.

The tax authorities are turning their attention to influencers, particularly TikTokers, who earn income from their social media activities but fail to report it.

From January 1, 2025, new restrictive measures for Airbnb properties will take effect (including a freeze on new licenses in Athens’ 1st, 2nd, and 3rd districts). The three-year tax exemption for closed properties, however, begins today and will be available until the end of the following year.

The government has rejected suggestions from agencies for planners on leasing days per year and is turning to temporary – mild – measures for “saturated” urban centers.

This month authorities are starting to perform extensive cross checks in order to detect uninsured vehicles, those that have not passed a technical inspection (KTEO) or vehicles that circulate illegally without paying road tax.