Greek gvt’s goal is a modern tax system that is socially fair

“We envision a modern tax system, perfectly adapted to today’s social and technological conditions. With new technologies and the limitation of the use of cash as a key weapon, with an updated and truly functional institutional framework we can increase the efficiency of the Greek tax system“, the Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance, Mr. Haris Theocharis pointed out, speaking at the conference of the Greek-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Then Mr. Theocharis presented a series of measures that have already been implemented or will be launched in the near future in the context of dealing with tax evasion. He referred to the strengthening of electronic transactions by simplifying the communication procedures between businesses and Independent Public Revenue Authority -AADE, the establishment of electronic accounting books (myDATA), electronic documents for transactions and the interconnection of cash registers with the information systems of AADE.

Mr. Theocharis emphasized the importance of connecting the POS debit machines and the cash systems of businesses with the information systems of AADE, as well as the strengthening of immediate payment services for smaller amounts such as the IRIS system. Mr. Theoharis did not fail to mention the use of technical intelligence, with a typical example being the operation of the AADE operations room, which provides the possibility of coordinating and monitoring in real time the checks carried out by employees of the service in stores, customs, ships , places of special interest, etc.

The Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance also addressed the issue of smuggling, saying that the government is launching a unified system to monitor transactions and processes in real time.

Digital transformation

And he continued by saying “we are moving rapidly towards the digital transformation, the fundamental modernization of the tax and customs authorities, but also of the Independent Public Revenue Authority itself. With the upgrade of the existing information systems of AADE (TAXIS, TAXISnet, ELENXIS) and the development of new information systems and infrastructures, the technological and substantial upgrade of citizen services through digitalization of the services provided, and, finally, the improvement of the working, organizational and logistical framework of the employees. Our goal is always to increase the efficiency of the state in terms of tax collection, along with a much easier access for every citizen to the AADE systems”.

“Taxation is one of the most effective tools for the consolidation of social justice”, underlined Mr. Theoharis. “Tax evasion offends every aware and active citizen since it is not only an unproductive act, but above all an anti-social act.” And he ended by saying that for the New Democracy government, taxation is not a means of revenge and punishment, but the exact opposite: A means of guarding justice. With fair taxation we honor the trust of the Greek people, we honor the “Agreement of Truth” that we have concluded with our fellow citizens”.