Greece’s Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) is launching a major summer campaign against tax evasion, carrying out more than 50,000 inspections across islands and tourist hotspots using algorithms, drones and other digital tools.
The first large-scale inspections are expected during the busy Holy Spirit holiday weekend. Businesses caught failing to issue receipts or transmit cash register data to AADE’s electronic systems face temporary closures ranging from 48 hours to 10 days, while companies with unlinked POS terminals risk heavy fines.
Authorities will focus on high-risk sectors including shops, bars, restaurants, car repair garages and rental companies. Inspections will be guided by AI-based risk analysis, while undercover tax officers posing as tourists will carry out surprise checks to ensure receipts are issued and POS systems are properly connected to cash registers and the myDATA platform.
Inspectors will use tablets and the “ELEGCHOSlive” app to access AADE records in real time, cross-check VAT and income data, review tax histories and instantly issue audit results.
When Businesses Face Closure
Under Greece’s current tax enforcement rules, businesses face increasingly severe penalties for repeat violations.
A 48-hour shutdown can be imposed for failing to issue more than 10 receipts, issuing inaccurate receipts, or concealing revenue exceeding 500 euros. The same penalty applies when more than 10 retail transactions are not transmitted to AADE’s system.
A second offense within the same or following tax year can lead to a four-day closure if inspectors find at least three unissued or inaccurate receipts, missing transaction data, or concealed revenue above 500 euros.
Any further repeat violation during the same period may result in a 10-day suspension of operations.
