The Greek Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) has launched its online platform for the new up to 72-installment debt settlement scheme, giving approximately 1.3 million taxpayers the opportunity to settle overdue tax debts with the tax authorities.
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The scheme covers debts that were formally assessed up to December 31, 2023. A key eligibility requirement is that all tax obligations arising from January 1, 2024 onward must have been either fully paid or enrolled in an active repayment arrangement that is being regularly serviced. Debts can be repaid in up to 72 monthly installments, with a minimum installment amount of €30, while the principal debt accrues a fixed annual interest rate of 5.84%. Applications are submitted electronically through the AADE platform, with the enrollment deadline set for December 31, 2026.
The launch of the new scheme comes at a time when overdue debts to the Greek tax authority exceed €114.5 billion. The initiative aims to give a second chance to taxpayers who lost access to previous settlement arrangements and wish to return to a structured repayment plan.
Key points of the settlement scheme
Taxpayers wishing to enroll in the new scheme should be aware of the following:
1. Deadline and application process
Applications are submitted electronically through the AADE platform until December 31, 2026. The “My Requests” application on the myAADE portal is used only in cases of technical difficulties or when the application is submitted by a third party (e.g., a co-debtor or legal representative). The application carries the legal weight of a statutory declaration.
2. Which debts are eligible
The scheme covers debts that:
- Became overdue by December 31, 2023,
- Have been formally assessed by the tax or customs authority up to the date of application,
- Were not under an active settlement arrangement as of April 21, 2026,
- Have not been included in another settlement or judicial arrangement prior to the application.
Debts that are under a payment suspension may also optionally be included, provided they became overdue by the end of 2023.
3. Eligibility requirements
The debtor must:
- Have settled or arranged all remaining overdue debts within one month of enrollment,
- Have filed all income tax returns for the past five years (up to and including tax year 2024),
- Have no final criminal conviction for tax evasion or smuggling.
4. Which debts are excluded
Debts arising from the recovery of unlawful state aid are not eligible for the scheme, nor are any debts explicitly excluded under current legislation.
5. Activating the arrangement
The arrangement is activated upon payment of the first installment within three business days of submitting the application. Subsequent installments are due by the last business day of each month. The first installment may also be settled through a tax refund offset or other prescribed procedures.
6. Who manages the arrangement
The competent authority responsible for collecting the debt — whether a local tax office (DOY), KEVEIS, KEMEF, EMEIS, or a Customs office — oversees compliance with the terms and determines whether the arrangement has been forfeited.
7. Installments
The scheme provides for up to 72 monthly installments, with a minimum installment of €30. For smaller debts, the number of installments is reduced to ensure the minimum amount is maintained.
8. Interest and early repayment
The principal debt is subject to the fixed interest rate stipulated by the scheme. For customs-related debts, the European Central Bank rate plus one percentage point applies. Late installments incur a 15% surcharge, while in the case of early repayment, interest is recalculated accordingly.
9. When the arrangement is forfeited
The arrangement is forfeited if:
*Two consecutive installments are missed, or the final two installments are delayed by more than two months,
*Remaining overdue debts are not settled within one month,
*New overdue debts arise and are not paid or settled within three months.
10. Benefits of the arrangement
As long as the arrangement is maintained, the debtor is entitled to:
-A tax clearance certificate (subject to applicable withholding provisions),
-Suspension of criminal prosecution for non-payment of debts,
-Suspension of new enforcement measures,
-The possibility of restricting existing garnishments held by third parties, following a relevant decision.
11. Release of garnishments
The application is submitted through the “My Requests” section on the myAADE portal to the competent collection authority. The release applies only to future claims and is revoked if the arrangement is forfeited.
12. State rights
The state retains the right to register mortgages, offset tax refunds against outstanding debts, and, where applicable, withhold tax clearance certificates for property transfers.
13. Statute of limitations
For the duration of the arrangement, the statute of limitations on the debts is suspended and cannot expire until at least one year has passed from the end of the suspension period.
14. What the scheme does not cover
The arrangement does not write off the principal debt, does not cover debts arising after December 31, 2023, does not automatically lift existing garnishments, does not prevent offsets, and does not exempt the debtor from the timely payment of new tax obligations.
