The Greek government is poised to implement significant updates to the tax filing process for 2025, focusing particularly on environmental sustainability and facilitating more seamless taxpayer interactions through digital platforms.
The Ministry of Finance is laying the groundwork for what it describes as a "green" tax reform. This initiative, which will come to fruition over the budget plan period from 2025 to 2028, aims to introduce new fees and possibly revise existing taxes. A primary goal is to bolster the funding necessary for environmental protection initiatives. "The aim of the tax reform is to bolster the fund for environmental protection," reported by the Greek Ministry of Finance. This strategic move includes categorizing government programs based on their environmental impacts, impacting Greece's budget allocations moving forward.
One of the cornerstone elements of this reform is the proposed green tax, which will affect several areas, including diesel taxation, charges on plastic bottles, and emissions-related fees imposed on transporters. The recent statistics from ELSTAT showcase the growing impact of energy taxes, which constituted approximately 85.8% of environmental taxes last year, bringing in nearly 9.93 billion euros.
Adding to this, updates have been made to the myAADE digital portal, which will enable individuals to access their income tax certificates immediately upon submission of declarations. This upgrade provides citizens seamless access to their fiscal responsibilities. Users can now monitor outstanding amounts, identify payment deadlines, and settle taxes—either as lump-sum payments or through installment plans—using their cards or the IRIS system, eliminating the cumbersome process of direct bank payments. "We encourage citizens to pay through IRIS or cards for immediate credit to their tax obligations," emphasized an AADE spokesperson.
With the deadline for vehicle circulation fees fast approaching—set for December 31, 2024—vehicle owners are urged to utilize the myAADE platform to retrieve their respective payment codes. The application permits users to enter their tax identification number and vehicle registration number to access their notices efficiently. The fee structure for 2025 has been delineated by the Ministry of Finance, with rates set based on the engine size of the vehicles.
Should vehicle owners fail to make timely payments, they may incur significant fines. Late penalties can accrue to as much as 25% of the owed amount if settled by January 31, 2025, and climb to 100% if not paid by March 1, 2025. "Municipal fines for late payment range from 25% to 100% of the amount due," cautioned local news reports.
The circulation tax for vehicles registered between January 1, 2006, and October 31, 2010, specifies fees from 22 euros for cars with engines under 300cc to 1,380 euros for those exceeding 4,001cc. Similarly, for vehicles registered before the year 2000, fees scale between 22 euros for smaller engines to 1,260 euros for the largest configurations.
This multifaceted approach to taxation reform in Greece indicates the government's commitment to aligning fiscal policies with environmental goals. The changes outlined are not only meant to streamline tax compliance but also to encourage greener practices moving forward.
The emphasis on timely adherence to these obligations is more than just procedural; it's integral to both personal finance and national environmental objectives. The Greek government expects these reforms to have meaningful impacts as citizens prepare for the upcoming tax year.
