Tax Declaration in Greece
Embarking on the journey of filing a tax declaration in Greece might feel like charting uncharted waters. Fear not, intrepid expat!
In this guide, we unfurl the sails of knowledge to navigate you through the intricacies of the Greek tax declaration process.
From decoding forms to understanding deadlines, consider us your compass to smoother tax horizons.
Living in Greece
In Greece, all taxes imposed on earned income are incremental. This implies that the income tax rate will increase as your income grows.
As an employee or a self-employed person, you must pay taxes in Greece on your own income. If you have “permanent resident” status, your taxes will depend on whether they come from Greece or elsewhere.Your income in Greece is liable to taxation if you are not a country resident.
Also, you will be taxed separately if you are married; however, some modifications may exist. If 90% of your income comes from Greece and you live in an EU member state, you may be eligible for several credits and deductions.
Is It Compulsory To File A Tax Declaration In Greece?
All citizens and non-residents with income in Greece must file a tax declaration, a legal requirement. Taxpayers who have reached the age of 18 must electronically report all of their income to the Tax Administration, regardless of whether it is taxable in any way or exempt.
That tax return form may be printed for the Tax Administration in extraordinary circumstances. Employment, self-employment, investment income, and any other type of income are all included in this. A tax declaration that details the taxpayer’s earnings, outgoings, tax credits, and deductions must be reported annually.
According to the type of taxpayer and the type of income, different tax declarations must be filed on different dates in Greece. As an illustration, the tax filing date for workers is often in June, whereas it is usually July for self-employed people.
Fines and penalties may apply if a tax declaration is not filed, is filed incorrectly, or is not filed in Greece. Adherence to the tax declaration rules and timely submission are crucial to avoid legal complications.
Can You Claim Taxes Back In Greece?
You can claim your taxes back in Greece if you meet the requirements. You can be qualified to receive a refund, for instance, if you have paid more in taxes than you owe or have made social security contributions but your income is below a particular amount.
You may also be eligible for a tax deduction if you have paid certain deductible expenses, such as those related to your health, education, or charitable donations. Most taxpayers who submit tax returns will be reimbursed in the hundreds or perhaps thousands of euros.
It is critical to note that the particular guidelines and processes for claiming tax refunds and deductions can change based on your unique situation, so getting advice from a tax expert or accountant may be beneficial.
How To Get More Taxes Back From Greece
There are numerous actions you can take if you wish to get additional taxes returned from Greece:
Maintain complete records of all your earnings and outgoings: You need supporting documentation to seek a tax refund or deduction. This entails preserving receipts, invoices, and other pertinent records demonstrating income and outgoings.
Profit from all tax breaks available: Greece provides several tax breaks for costs like healthcare, education, and charity contributions. If any available deductions apply to you, ensure you know them all and take advantage of them.
If you are a non-resident of Greece, check your tax status because you can be eligible for some tax breaks or exemptions. Make sure you comprehend your tax situation and utilize any potential tax advantages.
Think about speaking with a tax expert: If you need to learn about the tax laws or how to optimize your tax benefits, think about speaking with a tax expert or accountant who can offer advice and assist you in navigating the tax system.
You must submit your tax return on time and accurately to be eligible for any tax refunds or deductions. To prevent fines or late fees, ensure you have all the required paperwork and file your tax return before the deadline.
How To File A Tax Declaration In Greece
All income, whether taxable or exempt in any way, must be electronically reported to the Tax Administration by taxpayers who have reached the age of 18. The Tax Administration may accept that tax return form in printed form in extraordinary circumstances.
The tax return form must be submitted by June 30 of the next tax year.
In the event that the taxpayer passes away or changes their place of residence abroad, the tax return form must be submitted by the responsible parties, as appropriate, during the tax year, and it must be accompanied by the supporting documents and data that the Minister of Finance has determined are necessary.
The tax return form needs to be electronically submitted via the website: https://www.aade.gr/polites/eisodima/dilosi-forologias-eisodimatos-fp-e1-e2-e3
The TAXIS.net system can get your tax identity number (AFM) online. Gather all required documentation to support your tax declaration and you must compile the required documentation. This includes income statements, expense receipts, and other related records.
The following step is to enter the TAXIS.net system, where taxpayers can submit their tax returns online. By visiting the TAXIS.net website, entering your tax identification number and password, and clicking “Log In,” you can access the system.
Then Publish your tax declaration in full. You can begin completing your tax declaration after you have gained access to the TAXIS.net system. The system will lead you through the procedure and urge you to provide the relevant data.
Use Tax Return Online Software in Greece
The general steps to use a tax return online program in Greece are as follows:
Choose a tax return program: Choose the tax return software that best suits your demands and budget by doing some research. Ensure sure the program is appropriate for the Greek tax code.
- Create a profile: Register and create an account on the tax return software website.
- Insert your details here: Follow the on-screen instructions to add your personal and tax details, including earnings and deductions.
- Review your return: Check your tax return to ensure it is accurate and comprehensive.
- Put your return in: Use the tax return program to file your tax return electronically. Usually, the software will ask you to make any necessary tax payments.
It is crucial to remember that the precise regulations and steps for submitting a tax return in Greece can change based on your unique situation, so it may be beneficial to seek advice from a tax expert or accountant.
Select a recognized and secure tax return software to guarantee the security of your personal and financial information.
Hire a Tax Consultant
Getting a Greek Tax ID number may be challenging for enterprises, ex-pats, and foreign nationals. There is a language barrier and a need to follow foreign procedures and meet specific Greek documentation needs.
By ensuring that you don’t get lost in translation and that the interaction with the tax authorities proceeds as smoothly as possible, Greek-speaking tax attorneys can be of aid. Greek tax attorneys who speak English know the processes and enjoy a good rapport with the authorities, so ex-pats in Greece should be okay with tax compliance.
Collaborating with Greek experts in your sector is crucial because there is a danger that an ex-pat will give the tax authorities inaccurate information, making matters worse for the potential taxpayer.
Documents Needed For Your Tax Return In Greece
The paperwork required for your tax return in Greece may change based on your circumstances. However, in general, the following documents are needed:
Your full name, tax identification number (TIN), and contact information are considered to be personal data.
Income statements: Reports detailing all sources of income received throughout the year, including wages, dividends, interest, rental income, and any other taxable income.
Receipts or invoices for deductible expenditures, such as healthcare, charitable contributions, and educational costs.
Statements from all bank accounts kept throughout the year, including savings, checking, and investment accounts, are called bank statements.
Information about the property: If you own any real estate in Greece, you must present proof of the purchase price, mortgage payments, and other pertinent costs.
Statements from investment accounts, such as stocks or mutual funds, indicate gains or losses.
Documentation of any capital gains or losses resulting from the sale of assets, like property or investments, is known as capital gains or losses.
Documents: Any other records pertinent to your earnings, outgoings, and tax obligations for the year.
It’s crucial to remember that this is not a comprehensive list and that certain people or companies might have different needs. It’s also advised to seek the advice of a tax expert for help with tax return preparation and filing of your tax return.
When Is The Greece Tax Return Deadline?
The calendar year is the taxable period, and it can terminate on either June 30 (for legal persons or legal entities keeping double–entry records) or December 31. In any event, the tax year should not last more than 12 months.
Greece’s fiscal year runs from January 1 to December 31. Remember that filing tax forms for your annual income is due by June 30 of the following year, not on January 1 of each year. You must file your individual income tax returns by June 30, following the Greek tax year.
The only possibility is if you are covered by an employment contract, in which case you won’t need to take any action because your employer will submit your tax returns on your behalf each month. In this scenario, they will act as your legal counsel.
In Greece, advance tax payments must be made every three months, whether you work for yourself or run a business, and final returns must be filed at the end of the assessment year for a total of five payments every year.
In addition, if your business was founded within the last three years before the tax submission date, the advance tax payment is only 50% of the usual rate.
How Long Will It Take To Get Your Tax Refund In Greece?
Greece’s tax refund processing times can vary based on several variables, including the complexity of the tax return, the accuracy of the information submitted, and the workload of the tax authorities.
Refunds are often given out within a few weeks to a few months of the submission of the tax return. Generally, the Greek tax authorities work to process tax refund applications as fast as feasible.
It’s crucial to remember that this timeframe can change and that there might be delays, particularly during busy tax filing seasons.
Unless another tax law provision specifies a shorter timeframe, the sum to be reimbursed is paid to the taxable person within 90 days of receipt of a written request from the taxable person.
Taxpayers who filed their returns electronically and chose to have their refunds directly transferred into their bank accounts typically get their money more quickly than those who used paper forms.
So It is best to check the status of your refund with the Greek tax authorities or seek the help of a tax expert if you have yet to receive your tax refund within an acceptable amount of time.
Conclusion
As you seal your tax declaration with the ink of understanding, you’ve set sail into calmer financial seas. The once-daunting process now stands as a testament to your empowerment and savvy.
Just as Odysseus triumphed over Poseidon’s challenges, you’ve conquered the realm of Greek tax declarations with wisdom as your compass.
Tax Victory!
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