Countdown begins for employers, insurance funds and other obligated parties to submit income certificates to AADE (Greek tax authority). The deadline expires at the end of February so that pre-filling of tax returns can begin ahead of their submission by taxpayers. On March 16, the electronic platform for submitting returns with 2025 income is expected to open, and according to estimates, this year the number of pre-filled returns submitted by employees and pensioners is expected to increase and exceed 1.5 million.
The pre-filled tax return process significantly facilitates taxpayers, however, it requires careful checking of details to avoid costly mistakes. If errors or omissions are found, taxpayers must either contact the relevant authorities for corrections or submit an amended return. If no inaccuracies are detected, taxpayers can simply click the submit button for their tax return. Note that if the pre-filled return is not sent by the taxpayer, AADE will do so after Easter.
What taxpayers need to check
Specifically, taxpayers should check the following elements in the pre-filled returns they receive:
-Income and tax withholdings: The relevant codes are “locked” so if errors are found, taxpayers must contact the issuing authority to send a corrected file to AADE.
-Electronic expenses: It must be confirmed that these expenses cover the required threshold of 30% of taxable income. This is because if electronic expenses are lower than this limit, an additional 22% tax is imposed on the difference. The code is open and can be modified if necessary supporting documents exist, such as POS transactions, e-banking or card payments.
-Standard of living indicators: Houses, cars and other assets may raise deemed income above declared income. The difference can be covered by income from previous years, proceeds from asset sales, loans, gifts, parental contributions, inheritances or gambling winnings.
-Dependent children: Proper declaration can reduce final tax by up to over 1,800 euros, depending on the number of children.
It should be noted that in all cases taxpayers have the option to make corrections to their tax return by submitting amendments until July 15, 2026.
Tax returns: The discounts
Remember that tax payment is made in eight monthly installments, with the first due at the end of July. Taxpayers who choose lump sum payment are entitled to a 4% discount for returns submitted by April 30, 3% by June 15, and 2% by July 15, 2026.
Last year, more than 1.4 million taxpayers paid their tax in a lump sum with the total amount reaching 2.17 billion euros, out of total tax assessments of approximately 5 billion euros.
According to AADE data, of the 1.4 million citizens who rushed to settle their obligations in one payment:
-More than half -about 750,000- submitted their returns on time and secured a 4% discount on taxes of 1.3 billion euros.
-410,000 taxpayers took advantage of the 3% discount for taxes of 480 million euros.
– 260,000 taxpayers achieved a 2% discount for tax of 390 million euros.
