Greece electronic receipts: 22% tax penalty for insufficient digital spending

Greek taxpayers face a 22% additional tax penalty on the deficit if they fail to cover at least 30% of their annual declared income through electronic payment methods, such as credit/debit cards or e-banking. This requirement affects approximately 4.5 million citizens, including employees, pensioners, self-employed professionals, farmers, and those with rental income. The measure has been extended to include the 2027 tax year.

Self-employed individuals are advised to exercise caution, as increases in minimum deemed income may significantly raise the threshold for required electronic receipts. Data from the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) shows that in 2024, the total additional tax collected from taxpayers with receipt deficits reached €87.21 million, a nearly 60% increase from €55.48 million in 2023.

To mitigate the penalty, taxpayers can utilize specific tax incentives. Certain services, such as legal fees, plumbing, electrical work, hair salons, and taxis, allow for a deduction of 30% of their value from taxable income, capped at €5,000 annually. Additionally, medical and health service receipts continue to count double toward the 30% threshold.