Tryfon Alexiadis

The Ministry of Finance has yet to reach a decision concerning car circulation registration fees for 2015. Ordinarily, these would need to be posted on Taxisnet, the government’s site within a forgnight, however there is still turmoil concerning the rates for this year.

The Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA) government may have promised to scrap the controversial joint property tax (ENFIA), but it is now backtracking on its plans. Not only is it going to keep the crushing land tax in tact, but it will be extended to include real estate property owned by Greek citizens outside Greece.

Alternate Finance Minister Tryfon Alexiadis told Greek Parliament on Tuesday that the time has come to crack down on tax evasion by adopting the best practices in other countries. He said, during the debate on the government’s policy statement that there are plans to follow the German model for tax inspections. Large teams of inspectors will raid offices of large, well-connected businesses.

The third bailout agreement for Greece sees the special VAT rate on Aegean islands to gradually phase out as of October 1. It will initially be abolished on the islands of Paros, Mykonos, Santorini, Naxos, Syros, Tinos and Milos.

Taxpayers bank accounts will be opened to investigative authorities from the finance ministry, the financial police, as well as corruption prosecutors. Full access to bank accounts was decreed following an order signed by caretaker Alternate Finance Minister Tryfon Alexiadis that was published in the government gazette.

Tax officials have recorded widespread tax evasion in hotels, restaurants and bars in the Aegean and Ionian islands after conducting spot checks.

63 inspections carried out over the last days just in Heraklion, Crete, showed 33 violations by 39 offenders.

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras announced on Friday evening major reshuffles to the composition of his government.

Tsipras has made a total of nine changes to his ministers and alternate ministers, daily Kathimerini informs.