Μake us preferred on Google The Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) is intensifying tax inspections during the summer, with a focus on businesses operating in Greece’s major tourist destinations.
The inspections are being stepped up ahead of and following August 15, a major holiday period in Greece, as increased tourism activity brings greater attention to tax compliance.
Restaurants, beach bars, accommodation providers and vehicle rental businesses are among those being targeted. The inspections are also being informed by complaints submitted by tourists and other citizens through AADE’s Appodixi application.
According to AADE, tax teams are continuing intensive on-site inspections, with particular emphasis on areas experiencing high levels of tourism. Businesses identified through risk analysis as having a higher likelihood of tax violations in food service, hospitality, entertainment and tourism services are receiving particular scrutiny.
Fines have already been imposed on a well-known restaurant in Naousa, a rental-room business and a tourism company in Paros, a tourism business and café in Corfu, and two businesses in Faliraki, Rhodes.
AADE is using digital data, businesses’ tax histories and citizen complaints as key tools to identify businesses considered more likely to commit tax violations.
More than 225,000 complaints through Appodixi
A total of 225,551 citizen complaints have been submitted through the Appodixi application, including 102,466 identified complaints.
Most concern the issuance of counterfeit or fictitious receipts, as well as cases in which receipts are issued but not transmitted to AADE. Such cases may indicate interference with cash-register software or with the connection between the register and the point-of-sale system.
Identified complaints are examined as a priority by the relevant authorities, while anonymous complaints are primarily used for risk analysis and to help plan inspections.
Drone inspections expand to more than 300 beaches
Tax inspections are being accompanied by intensified checks of Greece’s beaches by the country’s Property Services, using drones and targeted on-site inspections.
So far, more than 1,500 inspections have been carried out at more than 300 beaches and 450 businesses. Drones and the MyCoast digital application are being used, allowing citizens to submit reports and complaints.
The areas with the highest number of complaints include Halkidiki, Eastern Attica, the Cyclades, the Dodecanese and Kavala.
The most common violations involve the unauthorized occupation of coastal or beach areas without a concession agreement, exceeding the space granted under a concession, obstructing free public access and failing to display the required sign.
