Newsflash from Sunday, 5 October 2025.
Greece is facing a deepening tax collection crisis, with new data revealing a staggering imbalance between those who owe money to the state and those who actually pay. According to the latest report from the Parliamentary Budget Office, more than 4 million taxpayers currently have outstanding debts to the tax office — yet less than 4% of the total amount owed is being collected.
The report paints a stark picture of inequality among debtors. Just 0.25% of taxpayers — around 10,000 individuals and companies — are responsible for an astonishing 76.3% of all overdue tax debt, with each owing over €1 million. These large-scale debts are mainly tied to corporations such as S.A. (Α.Ε.) and Private Capital Companies (Ι.Κ.Ε.), which dominate the list of major defaulters.
In contrast, the vast majority of taxpayers — roughly 90% — owe relatively small amounts, typically under €10,000. Despite their smaller debts, these individuals are more likely to enter repayment plans, highlighting how everyday citizens bear the brunt of enforcement while large-scale tax evaders remain largely untouched.
As of July 2025, total overdue tax debt reached €111.8 billion, up by €4.5 billion from the previous year. Of this, €26.3 billion has been deemed uncollectible, leaving a “real” collectible balance of around €85 billion. Yet, only €3.3 billion — or 3.87% — is currently under any form of repayment arrangement.
Analysts warn that this growing gap between owed and collected taxes undermines public trust and strains Greece’s fiscal stability. Without stronger enforcement and fairer collection mechanisms, the country risks perpetuating a system where the few owe the most — and pay the least.
Source: Creta24.gr
