Tax documents Greece

Key Documentation Required for Greek Tax Compliance: A Comprehensive Checklist

Introduction
Personal Identification Documents
Income-Related Documentation
Property and Asset Documentation
Business-Related Documents
Tax-Specific Forms and Declarations
Supporting Documentation for Deductions and Credits
Foreign Income and Asset Reporting
Record-Keeping Requirements
Digital Documentation and E-filing
Special Cases and Additional Documentation
Conclusion
FAQs

1. Introduction

Navigating the complex landscape of Greek tax compliance can be a daunting task for individuals and businesses alike. With ever-changing regulations and stringent reporting requirements, it’s crucial to stay informed and organized when it comes to managing your tax obligations in Greece. This comprehensive guide aims to provide a detailed checklist of the key documentation required for Greek tax compliance, ensuring that you’re well-prepared to meet your fiscal responsibilities and avoid potential penalties or legal issues.

Whether you’re a resident, expatriate, or business owner operating in Greece, understanding the documentation requirements is essential for maintaining compliance with Greek tax laws. This article will cover a wide range of documents, from personal identification to complex business filings, providing you with a thorough overview of what you need to gather and maintain for smooth tax compliance in Greece.

2. Personal Identification Documents

The foundation of Greek tax compliance begins with proper personal identification. These documents are crucial for establishing your identity and tax status within the Greek system. Here’s what you’ll need:

2.1 Greek Tax Identification Number (AFM)

Your AFM (Αριθμός Φορολογικού Μητρώου) is the cornerstone of your tax identity in Greece. You’ll need to provide:

AFM certificate or documentation showing your assigned number
Proof of initial AFM registration, if applicable

2.2 Identification Documents

To verify your identity, you’ll need to present:

Valid passport or national ID card for EU citizens
Residence permit for non-EU citizens
Birth certificate (may be required in some cases)

2.3 Proof of Residence

Establishing your residency status is crucial for tax purposes. Provide:

Recent utility bills in your name (not older than 3 months)
Rental agreement or property ownership documents
Certificate of residence from your local municipality

3. Income-Related Documentation

Accurately reporting your income is a fundamental aspect of tax compliance. Here’s what you need to gather:

3.1 Employment Income

Annual salary statements from all employers
Pay slips for the entire tax year
Employment contracts, especially if there were changes during the year
Documentation of any bonuses, commissions, or other work-related benefits

3.2 Self-Employment and Freelance Income

Detailed records of all income received from clients
Invoices issued throughout the tax year
Bank statements showing incoming payments
Contracts or agreements with clients

3.3 Investment Income

Dividend statements from Greek and foreign companies
Interest income certificates from banks
Capital gains statements from the sale of stocks, bonds, or other securities
Rental income documentation, including lease agreements and proof of payments received

4. Property and Asset Documentation

Greek tax authorities require detailed information about your property holdings and assets. Be prepared with:

4.1 Real Estate

Property ownership titles (συμβόλαια)
Recent property valuations
ENFIA (Unified Property Tax) statements
Mortgage documents, if applicable

4.2 Vehicles

Vehicle registration documents
Proof of annual road tax payment
Purchase invoices for vehicles acquired during the tax year

4.3 Financial Assets

Bank account statements for all Greek and foreign accounts
Investment portfolio statements
Documentation of any loans or debts

5. Business-Related Documents

For business owners and self-employed individuals, additional documentation is required:

5.1 Business Registration

Business registration certificate (ΓΕΜΗ)
Articles of incorporation or partnership agreement
VAT registration documents

5.2 Financial Statements

Annual balance sheet
Profit and loss statement
Cash flow statement
General ledger and journal entries

5.3 Business Expenses

Receipts and invoices for all business expenses
Payroll records for employees
Asset depreciation schedules
Records of business-related travel expenses

6. Tax-Specific Forms and Declarations

Greek tax compliance involves submitting various forms and declarations. Ensure you have:

6.1 Annual Income Tax Return

Completed E1 form (annual income tax return)
E2 form for rental income, if applicable
E3 form for business income, if applicable

6.2 VAT Returns

Quarterly or monthly VAT returns (depending on your business category)
Annual VAT reconciliation statement

6.3 Withholding Tax Declarations

Monthly withholding tax returns for salaries and pensions
Quarterly withholding tax returns for freelancers and contractors

7. Supporting Documentation for Deductions and Credits

To maximize your tax benefits, gather documentation for eligible deductions and credits:

7.1 Medical Expenses

Receipts for medical treatments and medications
Health insurance premium payments
Documentation of any chronic health conditions

7.2 Education Expenses

Tuition receipts for yourself or dependents
Costs of educational materials and supplies
Receipts for private tutoring or language courses

7.3 Charitable Donations

Official receipts from recognized charitable organizations
Bank transfer confirmations for donations

8. Foreign Income and Asset Reporting

If you have income or assets abroad, additional reporting is required:

8.1 Foreign Income

Statements of foreign-sourced income
Tax returns filed in other countries
Documentation of any foreign tax credits claimed

8.2 Foreign Assets

Statements for foreign bank accounts
Documentation of foreign real estate holdings
Records of foreign investments or business interests

9. Record-Keeping Requirements

Proper record-keeping is crucial for Greek tax compliance. Ensure you:

Maintain all tax-related documents for at least 5 years
Keep original receipts and invoices, not just digital copies
Organize documents by tax year and category for easy access
Back up digital records regularly and securely

10. Digital Documentation and E-filing

As Greece moves towards digital tax administration, be prepared with:

Digital signatures or authentication methods for e-filing
Access codes for the TAXISnet system
Electronic copies of all relevant documents
Proof of e-filed returns and declarations

11. Special Cases and Additional Documentation

Depending on your specific situation, you may need additional documentation:

11.1 For Expatriates

Certificate of tax residence from your home country
Documentation supporting tax treaty benefits, if applicable
Work permits or visas

11.2 For Retirees

Pension statements from Greek and foreign sources
Social security benefit documentation

11.3 For New Residents

Proof of date of arrival in Greece
Documentation of previous tax status in other countries

12. Conclusion

Navigating Greek tax compliance requires diligence, organization, and attention to detail. By following this comprehensive checklist, you’ll be well-equipped to gather and maintain the necessary documentation for your tax obligations in Greece. Remember that tax laws and requirements can change, so it’s essential to stay informed and consult with a qualified tax professional or the Greek tax authorities for the most up-to-date information.

Proper documentation not only ensures compliance but also protects you in case of audits or inquiries from the tax authorities. By maintaining thorough and accurate records, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you’re meeting your fiscal responsibilities in Greece. Whether you’re a long-time resident, a new expatriate, or a business owner, staying on top of your tax documentation is a crucial aspect of your financial management in Greece.

FAQs

Q1: How long should I keep my tax documents in Greece?

A1: It’s recommended to keep all tax-related documents for at least 5 years from the end of the financial year to which they relate. However, for certain types of records, such as those related to real estate transactions or significant business assets, it’s advisable to keep them for even longer periods, potentially up to 20 years.

Q2: Can I submit digital copies of my documents for Greek tax purposes?

A2: While Greece is increasingly moving towards digital tax administration, it’s still important to retain original hard copies of key documents. For many submissions, digital copies are accepted, but you should be prepared to provide original documents if requested by the tax authorities. Always check the specific requirements for each type of submission.

Q3: What should I do if I’m missing some of the required documentation?

A3: If you’re missing important tax documents, take immediate steps to obtain replacements or alternatives. Contact your employer, bank, or relevant institution to request duplicate statements or certificates. If it’s impossible to obtain certain documents, document your efforts to do so and consider consulting with a tax professional for advice on how to proceed.

Q4: Are there any special documentation requirements for non-residents earning income in Greece?

A4: Non-residents earning income in Greece may need to provide additional documentation, such as proof of tax residency in their home country, copies of any applicable tax treaties, and detailed records of the source and nature of their Greek income. It’s advisable for non-residents to consult with a Greek tax specialist to ensure full compliance with their specific obligations.

Q5: How can I ensure my personal and financial information remains secure when submitting tax documents?

A5: To protect your personal and financial information, always use secure methods when submitting tax documents. For electronic submissions, use only official government portals like TAXISnet. When sending physical documents, use registered mail or courier services. Redact sensitive information that’s not required, and never send original documents unless specifically requested by the tax authorities. Additionally, be cautious of phishing scams and only provide information through official channels.