Essential Guidance for Accurate Submissions.
The deadline for tax returns for this year
For many years, tax declarations have become a focus for media attention, especially during springtime.
Each year, the usual story emerges: when does the system open for submissions, and importantly, when does it close? Extensions have often followed one another, with deadlines shifting repeatedly. There have been years when declarations were completed as late as September.
This era, however, appears to be coming to an end. For the first time in many years, it seems that the tax statement process is becoming more organised and predictable for taxpayers.
Starting this year, and even more so next year, the opening and closing dates of the process will no longer be headline news. Relevant dates will now be legislated and will not change.
This significant shift is driven by two main interventions that, while straightforward in concept, fundamentally alter the daily lives of millions of citizens.
The first change involves the automatic submission of tax declarations for employees and pensioners with a single source of income.
Previously, these taxpayers had to navigate the submission process each year, often resulting in an outcome they already knew. Now, their declarations will be automatically verified by the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE), unless they choose to make modifications or changes.
The second change relates to the requirements for public sector entities.
Every public agency is now obliged to send payment and deduction information for each taxpayer to the AADE within strict timeframes. If they fail to comply, the law imposes penalties and fines on the individuals responsible for the delays.
At the same time, incentives for timely submissions are being established, and the start and end dates for each tax year are explicitly defined and, importantly, stable.
Taxpayers will no longer need to wait until the last moment or watch the news for updates on the system’s opening.
The timeline is now clear. For instance, for the tax year 2025, submissions began on March 16, 2026.
This new approach seeks to streamline the submission process, reducing the stress associated with filing tax declarations.
By ensuring that the dates are fixed, taxpayers can plan accordingly and avoid the last-minute rush that has plagued the system in the past.
Overall, changes aim to create a smoother experience for taxpayers, allowing them to concentrate on their financial wellbeing rather than navigating a complicated and often frustrating process.
The AADE plays a crucial role in this transformation, ensuring compliance and facilitating communication between public agencies and taxpayers.
This initiative reflects a broader trend towards modernising fiscal processes, increasing efficiency, and improving taxpayer satisfaction.
The government’s focus is not only on compliance but also on fostering a more user-friendly environment for all citizens involved in the tax system.
Moving forward, individuals will benefit from a clearer understanding of their responsibilities and timelines, enhancing the overall efficiency of the tax declaration system.
Taxpayers are encouraged to stay informed about the new procedures and take full advantage of the resources available to them, guiding them through the process more smoothly than before.
A Wealth of Banking Information in the Hands of the Tax Authority
Banking information, including data on deposits, fund transfers, credit card transactions, dividends, and cheques, has been submitted to the tax authority.
The Independent Authority for Public Revenue (ΙΑΑΔΕ) received these records on 28 February. They will use this information to pre-fill amounts in specific fields of the E1 tax return. This process aims to assist in various checks to identify undeclared income through scrutiny of bank transaction activity.
The pre-filling of E1 codes will commence immediately and was completed by 16 March.
Following this, the platform for submitting tax returns will open on 17 March and will remain available until 15 July.
Details Sent by Banks
According to a decision made by the head of the ΑΑΔΕ, all credit institutions, including branches of foreign banks, financing entities, and payment card clearing entities operating in Greece, are required to send electronic statements to the ΑΑΔΕ.
The data must encompass information on both credit and debit interest from various accounts, including:
- Deposits
- Repos
- Treasury bills
- Greek government bonds
- Corporate bonds traded within the EU or on organised exchanges outside the EU
- Foreign securities
This information pertains to both residents and non-residents of Greece and is for income earned in the year 2024.
The data should include withholding tax amounts along with identifying details of the beneficiaries or co-beneficiaries, such as name, surname, company name, tax identification number (Τ.Α.Χ.) and the reporting year.
Categories of Submission
For taxpayers exhibiting total annual movements (debit or credit) exceeding €100,000, specific details will also be sent. This includes:
- The three-digit bank code
- The full name of the account holder
Details on Amounts Between €100,000 and €200,000
For accounts with annual activity in the range of €100,000 to €200,000, banks will relay the following details:
- Bank name and code
- Total amount credited or debited
- The date of largest transaction made
- Account balance
This information will aid the authorities in ensuring compliance from taxpayers with substantial banking activity. It plays a crucial role in identifying potential discrepancies in reported income levels.
Implications for Taxpayers
Having access to comprehensive banking information allows the tax authority to enhance its audits significantly.
Those who may have undeclared income or inconsistent financial statements could face increased scrutiny. The data enables a detailed cross-reference against tax declarations, aiming to ensure all taxable income is accurately reported.
With advanced data collection methods and technology, the ΙΑΑΔΕ can establish a clearer picture of taxpayer finances.
Prompting individuals to fulfil their tax obligations is one of the key objectives behind this data influx.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline for filing the 2025 tax return?
The due date for submitting tax returns for the year 2025 is 15th July 2025. It is crucial for individuals to meet this deadline to avoid late fees or penalties.
When does the filing period for the 2025 tax declarations start?
The period for filing tax declarations for the year 2025 begins earlier on March 17.
How can one access the 2025 tax declarations through the government’s online portal?
Taxpayers can access their 2025 tax declarations by visiting the official government tax portal.
They will need to log in using their personal credentials, usually including their tax identification number and other personal information.
Are there any new tax deductions applicable for the year 2025?
For the tax year 2025, new deductions may be introduced.
Taxpayers should review the latest tax guidelines or consult with tax professionals to ensure they are aware of any recent changes in deductions.
How can I print my tax clearance certificate for the year 2025?
To print a tax clearance certificate for the year 2025, individuals typically need to log into the government tax portal.
Once logged in, they can navigate to the section for certificates and follow the prompts to print their certificate.
Where can I find information regarding my annual income for tax purposes?
Information on annual income for tax purposes can usually be found in personal financial records, such as pay slips, bank statements, and other income-related documents.
Additionally, taxpayers can request this information from their employers or consult with financial advisors if needed.
