Greek Citizens Crack Down on Tax Evasion

Greek citizens are actively engaging in verifying company receipts through the application, Appodixi, in an effort to combat tax evasion, with the promise of a monetary reward.

Since its inception in September 2022, the Appodixi app has galvanised over 300,000 citizens to enhance the nation's tax control mechanisms, according to Kathimerini.  The impact of this is significant, with a notable 163,610 complaints of falsified receipts filed thus far. Of these, 89,408 complaints are lodged anonymously.

Although incentives for receipt verification are pending, the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) assures that decisions regarding bonus allocations are forthcoming. Once approved by Parliament, bonus payments are will reportedly be retroactively distributed.

Under the proposed framework, complainants stand to receive monetary rewards based on the severity of detected violations. Bonuses, ranging from €100 to €3,000, are calculated at ten times the transaction value of the disputed item plus applicable VAT. Additionally, fines for tampering with electronic tax mechanisms carry substantial penalties, starting at €10,000 per audited year.

Simultaneously, a surge in citizen-led complaints concerning tax evasion has emerged since last November. A total of 11,788 submissions have inundated the "citizens' complaints" website, prompting investigations into allegations of corruption, customs violations, and tax infractions.

(Source: Kathimerini)