Greece’s Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) is doubling down on reducing red tape, accelerating tax refunds, and conducting more targeted audits through its ongoing digital transformation, as highlighted by AADE Governor Giorgos Pitsilis at an international workshop co-organized by the Government of Pakistan and the IMF in Islamabad.
The AADE Governor took part in a thematic discussion titled “Aligning Tax Administration with International Best Practices: Digitalization, Compliance, and Taxpayer Trust,” moderated by Rashid Mahmood Langrial, Chairman of Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). During his address, Pitsilis outlined the key milestones of Greece’s tax administration reform journey, emphasizing that successful digital transformation requires strong institutions, a consistent strategy, investment in human capital, and the smart use of technology to benefit both citizens and businesses.
He made special reference to the establishment of AADE in 2017 as a pivotal step in building a modern tax administration model — one defined by operational independence, professional management, and accountability.
Presenting specific digital reform initiatives, he highlighted:
- The myDATA platform, which enhances transactional transparency and enables data-driven simplification of tax procedures.
- The integration of cash registers with POS systems, enabling more effective monitoring of financial transactions.
- The introduction of the digital dispatch note, which strengthens traceability in the movement of goods.
- The automation of VAT refunds and the deployment of risk analysis systems, aimed at providing faster service to compliant taxpayers while enabling more targeted audit activity.
Pitsilis stressed that digitalization is not an end in itself, but rather a means to reduce bureaucracy, cut administrative costs, and foster a level playing field for healthy competition.
Turning to the tangible results of Greece’s reform effort, he noted that according to European Commission estimates, Greece’s VAT compliance gap narrowed from 24% in 2019 to 11.4% in 2023 — a development that reflects broader progress in tackling tax evasion. “Our goal is not simply to collect more data, but to use it intelligently — to make compliance easier, to enhance audit effectiveness, and to build a relationship of trust with taxpayers,” he said.
Addressing the workshop participants, the Governor underscored the importance of measurable outcomes in everyday service delivery for citizens and businesses, noting that the progress of a tax administration should be reflected not only in revenue collection, but also in the speed of tax refunds, audit effectiveness, dispute resolution, and taxpayer satisfaction.
Closing his remarks, Giorgos Pitsilis emphasized: “The true measure of success for a modern tax administration is not the number of digital applications it offers, but the change it brings to the relationship between the state and the taxpayer: less bureaucracy, more fairness, and stronger trust.”
The workshop was attended by senior IMF officials, representatives of the Pakistani government and tax authority, delegates from international organizations, and experts in tax policy and administration, all gathered to exchange experiences and best practices in building more effective, growth-friendly tax systems.
