IRIS money transfers: When can Greece’s tax authority investigate transactions?
Money transfers through Greece’s IRIS payment service are not automatically taxable simply because they take place electronically. Their tax treatment depends on the purpose of the payment, the relationship between sender and recipient, and whether the money represents shared expenses, a gift, parental financial support or payment for goods and services.
According to a report published by Greek newspaper Empros on October 9, 2026, IRIS processed more than 126 million transactions worth a total of €11 billion in 2025, highlighting the growing role of instant payments in everyday financial activity.
SHARED EXPENSES BETWEEN FRIENDS
When friends split a bill, a transfer through IRIS does not automatically constitute taxable income for the person receiving the money.
For example, if one person pays a €70 restaurant bill and a friend transfers €35 to cover their share, the payment is generally a reimbursement of shared expenses rather than income.
The report recommends including a clear payment description, such as “shared expenses,” “restaurant bill” or “meal reimbursement.” The description should accurately reflect the transaction and help explain its purpose if questions arise.
MONEY TRANSFERS FROM PARENTS TO CHILDREN
Regular financial support from parents to children for rent, food, bills, transport or education is not automatically treated as taxable income.
For instance, a parent might transfer €300, €500 or €800 each month to a child studying in another city. The frequency of the payments alone does not mean that the money represents income from professional activity.
However, the distinction between financial support and a gift or parental monetary transfer can have tax implications. Under Greece’s rules, monetary gifts and parental transfers to first-category relatives, including children, may qualify for a tax-free threshold of up to €800,000, subject to applicable legal conditions and declaration requirements.
The precise treatment depends on the circumstances and the required procedures, rather than simply whether the payment is described as pocket money.
NO UNIVERSAL THRESHOLD FOR TAX INVESTIGATIONS
There is no single threshold, such as €1,000 or €3,000, above which every IRIS transfer automatically becomes suspicious or taxable.
The relevant factors include the purpose of the transaction, how frequently payments occur, the relationship between the parties and whether the origin and nature of the funds can be documented.
A one-off reimbursement for shared expenses differs from regular payments received in exchange for professional services or products. Income from business activity remains subject to the relevant tax rules regardless of whether the customer pays through IRIS or another method.
TRANSFERS BETWEEN SIBLINGS AND OTHER RELATIVES
Large transfers between siblings or other relatives may require particular attention. A family relationship does not automatically exempt every transfer from taxation.
If one sibling sends money to another, the nature of the transaction should be clear: it could be repayment of a debt, a contribution to shared expenses or a gift. Gifts between siblings are subject to a different tax regime from parental transfers to children.
The same principle applies when a third person acts as an intermediary. If one sibling transfers money to their mother, who then sends it to another sibling, the actual purpose and path of the funds may need to be documented. Using an intermediary does not, by itself, change the transaction’s tax classification.
WHY THE PURPOSE OF A PAYMENT MATTERS
The central issue is not the payment method itself but what the money represents. Keeping accurate records, using truthful transfer descriptions and retaining evidence of shared expenses, loans or gifts can help explain transactions if the tax authorities request clarification.
Anyone making substantial family transfers should check the applicable Greek tax rules and declaration requirements before proceeding, particularly where gifts or parental transfers are involved.
