Tourists and residents in Greece can now help catch tax evaders through an app – and may even receive a commission if their tip-off results in a conviction. Although many retailers, tradespeople and other service providers charge VAT to customers, they do not pay it to the tax authorities but pocket it themselves. The tax in Greece is as high as 24%. A report by the European Commission estimates the VAT gap in Greece at 17.8%, compared to the EU average of just under 5%.
In Greece, all cash registers and card terminals must be connected to the central tax authority’s data system via the internet or mobile phone. Each receipt has a QR code that is automatically generated and contains all the details of the transaction. The app enables the customer to scan the QR code with their smartphone camera. They then receive immediate feedback as to whether the receipt is valid and whether the till or card terminal is connected to the tax office.
Source: Luxembourg Times
Latest Posts in "Greece"
- Greece Introduces Special VAT Regime for Non-Established EU Businesses from January 2025
- AADE Intensifies Digital Monitoring to Combat Tax Evasion in High-Risk Transactions by 2026
- €20,000 Fine for Not Connecting Cash Register with POS; Appeal Rejected as Out of Time
- VAT Exemption for EU-Based Businesses: New Guidelines and Procedures Effective January 2026
- VAT Return Reconciliation with myDATA: Dividend Distribution and Collection Outside VAT Scope
