IRIS has become one of the most popular instant payment tools in Greece, allowing users to send money within seconds — no complex procedures, no IBAN required. This convenience has made the system an integral part of daily life for thousands of citizens who use it to split restaurant bills, pay back friends or family, and handle small everyday transactions. However, as its usage grows, so does the interest of tax authorities in certain transactions that may raise questions about the origin or purpose of the funds. For this reason, the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) urges caution — particularly when it comes to recurring or high-value transfers.
IRIS transactions that may trigger a tax audit
Tax authorities do not view routine everyday transfers between friends or relatives as problematic. However, when frequent money transfers are observed — or when amounts repeatedly exceed certain thresholds — questions may arise as to whether these represent simple personal transfers or undeclared income. Special attention is warranted when transactions involve systematic inflows of money into the same account, when large sums are recorded without an apparent explanation, or when transfers display characteristics consistent with business activity. In such cases, authorities may request clarifications and supporting documentation.
Why transaction descriptions matter
The AADE advises citizens to always fill in the transaction description field. Words such as “dinner,” “shared outing,” “gift,” “money return,” or similar descriptions help document the true nature of the transfer. Additionally, for larger amounts, it is advisable to keep receipts, invoices, or any other evidence that can demonstrate the reason for the transaction. This way, in the event of a tax audit, the taxpayer can easily prove that the transfer does not constitute income or a taxable gift.
Wedding gifts also under scrutiny
Transfers related to social events — such as weddings — are a particularly noteworthy case. Tax authorities advise couples to keep specific records to avoid complications during a potential audit. In particular, it is recommended to maintain a guest list, while the transaction description should clearly state “wedding gift.” Furthermore, the date of the deposit should be close to the wedding date, so that a reasonable connection between the two events can be established.
The use of IRIS continues to grow at an impressive rate. According to data from DIAS S.A., transactions surged from 1.6 million in 2020 to 57.3 million in 2024, and by 2025 had already exceeded 126 million, reaching a total value of approximately €11 billion. The average transaction stood at €86, confirming that the system has now firmly established itself as a primary payment tool for Greek consumers.
