DEYAX announces 50% penalty for overdue debts in Chania

The Chania Municipal Water and Sewage Company (DEYAX) has issued an urgent notice regarding the settlement of overdue debts following the implementation of the new Local Government Code (Law 5314/2026).

Under Article 271 of the new law, any debt that remains unpaid and is not part of a settlement plan for more than six months after its due date will incur a mandatory 50% penalty. Furthermore, all overdue debts, including the penalty, will be automatically transferred to the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) for compulsory collection.

To avoid these sanctions, including the potential freezing of tax identification numbers (AFM), DEYAX urges consumers to immediately contact their Consumer Department to enter a payment facilitation program under Article 272. The company also warns those with existing settlement plans to remain consistent with payments, as losing a plan will trigger the same penalties and transfer of debt to the tax authorities.