Tax raids were carried out by inspectors from the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE), targeting well-known day cruise boats in Santorini that operate daily cruises around the island. The fully coordinated operation took place as dozens of boats arrived at the ports of Vlychada and Akrotiri, packed with tourists who had enjoyed the island’s magical sunset. Tax inspectors then launched thorough audits against tax evasion, according to an official announcement.
It should be noted that, based on information and evidence gathered by inspectors indicating that tourist boats (daily cruise ships, day boats, catamarans etc.) in Santorini use various methods to conceal revenue (such as inaccurate issuance of tax documents, circumvention of total charter fees, etc.), and consequently collect but fail to remit significant VAT amounts to the Greek state, the operation “Take you on a cruise” was planned and executed.
The… unknown tourists
AADE inspectors arrived in Santorini from various tax offices across Greece, without being… known on the island and under the pretext of a… carefree stroll among the crowd circulating on the docks, waiting for tourist boats to dock after sunset. As soon as the boats began arriving to disembark passengers at the docks, inspectors put on their AADE vests and pulled out tablets, suddenly launching the operation. That is, the prescribed tax audit to verify proper application of tax legislation by businesses operating in maritime tourism.
Santorini: The findings
A total of 23 boats were inspected and violations were found in 10 of them, with a violation rate of 43%.
All violations concerned failure to issue or inaccurate issuance of receipts, as well as cash payments from customers for amounts over €500 (without interbank deposit). The fines imposed total €14,140, and the prescribed 10 monetary sanctions total €20,000.
Beyond these, the specific businesses are being audited in depth over years to determine their tax behavior and cross-check – based also on data from myDATA – whether there are other violations. Audits continue intensively throughout the country.
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