Record complaints of tax evasion in 2024

Massive volumes of tax evasion complaints were filed by citizens in 2024, with the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) recording 75,000 reports through the "Citizen Complaints" platform.

These complaints targeted tax evasion cases, customs violations, and public servant corruption, significantly boosting the government's efforts to curb unlawful activities. These initiatives resulted in additional tax revenues of €2 billion, highlighting the pivotal role of citizens in tackling such issues.

On average, 205 complaints were submitted daily, with the "Appodixi" digital application serving as a key tool. This app enabled citizens to scan 43,635 receipts and flag suspicious cases. The app, downloaded by more than 300,000 users, saw a high percentage of complaints filed under real names, reflecting increased public trust and active participation in combating tax evasion.

Among the complaints, 27,514 involved tax violations, 345 were related to customs violations and smuggling, and 3,450 focused on public servant corruption. AADE used this information to promptly direct cases to relevant auditing authorities, which have already begun inspections in many instances.

The government further encourages citizen participation by offering financial incentives ranging from €100 to €3,000, depending on the transaction value and successful penalty enforcement. Although full implementation of this mechanism is delayed due to pending regulations, public engagement remains remarkable.

For complaints unresolved within six years, AADE maintains an electronic archive, with unused information deleted after ten years. Such initiatives underscore the importance of citizen-state collaboration in addressing tax evasion and other unlawful practices.