22% extra tax for taxpayers who fail to meet electronic receipt threshold

Taxpayers who fail to meet the required electronic spending threshold by the end of 2026 will face an additional tax of 22% on the shortfall in eligible receipts.

The measure will remain in force in 2027, affecting approximately 4.5 million taxpayers in Greece. Employees, pensioners, farmers, self-employed professionals and people earning rental income must make electronic payments for purchases of goods and services equivalent to at least 30% of their annual actual income.

Payments can be made using credit, debit or prepaid cards, as well as through online banking.

Additional tax charges continue to rise

Data from Greece’s Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) show that the additional tax imposed on taxpayers who failed to meet the electronic spending requirement reached €87.21 million in 2024, an increase of nearly 60% compared with €55.48 million in 2023.

Under the current rules, eligible electronic spending must amount to 30% of annual actual income, with the maximum required amount capped at €20,000.

For example, a taxpayer earning €20,000 a year must record €6,000 in eligible electronic purchases. If the taxpayer records only €5,000, the €1,000 shortfall will attract an additional tax of €220.

Self-employed professionals need to pay particular attention because the minimum deemed taxable income, including applicable increases, may raise the amount of electronic spending they are required to cover.

Eligible electronic purchases are pre-filled in tax records by AADE. Taxpayers can request corrections if they have the necessary supporting documents.

When the required spending threshold is reduced

The required electronic spending ratio can be reduced from 30% to 20% for taxpayers whose combined annual payments for income tax, property tax (ENFIA), loan instalments and rent exceed 60% of their annual actual income.

For taxpayers whose bank accounts have been seized, the required electronic spending threshold is reduced to €5,000.

Spending is calculated separately for each spouse or partner in a registered cohabitation agreement. However, when a joint tax return is filed, any excess eligible spending recorded by one partner can be transferred to the other to cover a shortfall.

Which expenses qualify

Eligible electronic spending includes:

• Purchases of food, beverages, clothing, footwear and household goods.
• Electrical and electronic appliances, furniture and other durable household items.
• Repair and maintenance services.
• Utility bills and shared building expenses.
• Tuition fees, medical appointments, examinations and hospital bills.
• Insurance premiums.

Payments for rent, loans, taxes and fees payable to the state do not qualify. Purchases of real estate, vehicles, boats and aircraft are also excluded, along with spending on savings and investment products.

Who is exempt from the requirement

The following groups are exempt from the obligation to collect electronic receipts under the specified rules:

• Taxpayers aged 70 and over.
• Permanent residents of villages with up to 500 inhabitants.
• Permanent residents of islands with up to 3,100 inhabitants that are not tourist destinations.
• People completing their compulsory military service.

Taxpayers are advised to check their recorded electronic spending before filing their tax returns to avoid additional charges during the assessment process.