The transition to this new system leaves no room for fictitious transactions, inflated expenses, or hidden revenues, as tax authorities will now have direct and complete real-time access to financial activities.
1. Locked VAT Declarations: The End of Discrepancies
Until last year, businesses could report revenues and expenses with discrepancies of up to 30% from actual figures. This allowed for manipulation of VAT returns, as companies had the ability to reduce their profits through excessive expenses or conceal receipts. Starting January 2025, VAT returns will be submitted exclusively via myDATA, with no possibility for intervention.
Discrepancies that were allowed until last year included:
From October 2024, discrepancies for revenues were eliminated, and the allowance for expenses was reduced to 5%.
As of January 1, 2025, the complete alignment of reported data with myDATA electronic books will be mandatory.
This means that all data entered into myDATA will be automatically transferred to VAT declarations. Any discrepancies will trigger alerts to the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) and initiate audits.
The implementation of this measure is expected to drastically reduce tax evasion, as businesses will no longer be able to manipulate their numbers in their tax filings.
2. Digital Client Registry: Real-Time Tracking of Customers
Issuing receipts by businesses remains one of the greatest challenges for tax authorities. Through the Digital Client Registry, the AADE will now have the ability to monitor customer flows and transactions in real time.
This new system functions as an electronic client book, where businesses will be required to record:
- The number of clients they serve each day
- The details of each client, including their Tax Identification Number (TIN)
- The details of the issued receipt
Cross-referencing this data with myDATA and tax declarations will immediately identify violations, such as the failure to issue receipts or underpricing services. Initially, the obligation to maintain the Digital Client Registry will apply to sectors with high levels of tax evasion, such as:
- Car repair shops
- Vehicle rental companies
- Parking facilities
- Car washes
From January 2025, the Digital Client Registry will be mandatory, with expansion to additional sectors by the end of the year.
- Τον αριθμό των πελατών που εξυπηρετούν κάθε ημέρα.
- Τα στοιχεία του κάθε πελάτη, συμπεριλαμβανομένου του ΑΦΜ του.
- Τα στοιχεία της απόδειξης που εκδόθηκε.
3. Digital Delivery Note: Complete Tracking of Goods Movement
One of the most common practices of tax evasion is the failure to record the movement of goods. With the Digital Delivery Note, the AADE will gain control over this crucial area. Starting in 2025, businesses that move products will be required to issue and electronically submit a Digital Delivery Note via myDATA.
Implementation Timeline:
April 1, 2025: Mandatory for businesses with a turnover of over €200,000 and specific sectors, including:
- Pharmaceutical and medical products
- Energy products
- Construction materials
- Olive oil trade
October 1, 2025: Mandatory for all businesses, regardless of sector or turnover.
In addition to recording the delivery of goods, the system will allow cross-checking of movements, transfers, and final deliveries, creating a digital trace for every product in circulation.
Businesses that fail to comply with the new procedure will face significant penalties: €5,000 for businesses using a single-entry system and €10,000 for businesses using double-entry accounting.
4. Major Changes to the E3 Form
The new E3 tax return form introduces significant changes, limiting excessive expenses reported to reduce taxable profits. The form includes pre-filled revenue and expense codes, which are not locked, but starting in 2025, any discrepancies will be closely monitored. The AADE is modernizing audits, automating procedures, and ensuring that tax compliance becomes the rule, not the exception.
