Greek authorities scrutinize overseas property proprietors suspected of tax dodging
Greek Authorities Crack Down on Tourism Sector Tax Evasion in Asprovalta
Greek tax authorities have intensified their efforts to target foreign property owners in Asprovalta, a popular tourist destination in Northern Greece, over suspected tax evasion linked to the tourism sector. This crackdown aims to ensure that all earnings from rental properties and related tourism activities are properly declared and taxed according to Greek law.
The investigations, which are part of a wider strategy to address tax evasion in the tourism industry across Northern Greece, are a response to complaints from local accommodation providers who allege that foreign nationals, particularly from Balkan countries, are evading taxes by renting out properties without declaring rental income.
Enforcement actions include audits, inspections, and increased scrutiny of property rentals, especially those managed through short-term rental platforms. Authorities are focusing on verifying income declarations, proper registration of rental properties, and compliance with tax obligations. Foreign property owners found guilty of evasion face penalties, fines, and possible legal consequences.
Violations of tax regulations in holiday rentals can result in fines starting at €5,000, with fines doubling for subsequent offenses. The move comes amid broader government initiatives to curb tax avoidance and boost revenue from the lucrative tourism industry.
Local property owners in Asprovalta have expressed concerns over a significant drop in bookings. The drop in bookings is attributed to foreign property owners renting out accommodations to fellow nationals without adhering to Greek tax regulations.
The inspections are not limited to Asprovalta but are part of a broader strategy to address unfair competition in the local accommodation market. The move by Greek tax authorities is aimed at creating fair conditions between domestic and foreign property owners.
Holiday rentals are often advertised through various platforms, including Facebook groups, without proper registration or tax declarations. The investigations are aimed at ensuring compliance with tax regulations in the holiday rental market.
The allegations involve foreign property owners renting out properties without declaring rental income to Greek tax authorities. The crackdown reflects Greece’s ongoing efforts to improve tax collection in tourism, which is a vital part of the national economy.
This is not the first time Greek authorities have taken action against tax evasion in the tourism industry. In the past, similar crackdowns have been carried out in other tourist destinations across the country. The authorities remain committed to ensuring that all earnings from the tourism sector are properly declared and taxed, contributing to the overall economic growth of Greece.
- Turkish property owners in Greece, like those from other Balkan countries, are accused of evading taxes by renting out properties without declaring rental income, a practice that Greek tax authorities are now targeting in Asprovalta and other popular tourist destinations.
- Greek authorities are focusing on verifying the income declarations, proper registration of rental properties, and compliance with tax obligations of Turkish property owners in the tourism sector, as part of their broader strategy to combat tax evasion and boost revenue.
- The penalties for violating tax regulations in holiday rentals can be severe, with fines starting at €5,000 and doubling for subsequent offenses, making it important for Turkish property owners to ensure they are in compliance with Greek tax laws.
- The crackdown on tax evasion in the tourism sector is not limited to Asprovalta, but is part of a broader effort to create fair conditions between domestic and foreign property owners and improve tax collection, which is crucial for the overall economic growth of Greece.
