Greek tax code amendment threatens audits of large-scale tax evasion cases
The Federation of Public Finance Employees has denounced Article 28 of Law 5104/2024, saying it limits tax audits to one year and effectively shields major evaders.
The Panhellenic Federation of Employees in Public Financial Services has issued a formal complaint against Article 28 of Law 5104/2024, labeling it a de facto amnesty for large tax evaders. Enacted while Kostis Chatzidakis served as Finance Minister, the clause restricts tax audits to a maximum of twelve months, with a single six-month extension and an additional six months only in exceptional circumstances. It also prohibits reopening the same audit unless fresh information appears, meaning unfinished investigations on major corporations or wealthy individuals expire. Union officials warn that this will divert audit resources toward simpler, low-value cases and allow billions of euros in illicit funds to remain untaxed, undermining fiscal stability and public services.
Why it matters
The rule could let major tax evaders avoid scrutiny, reducing state revenue for essential services.
In this story
