In the first phase, the Tax Department will target 500 businesses that have tax debts of more than €1 million.
Taxpayers, in the context of the regulation voted by the Parliament for the suspension of the operation of businesses and the sealing of their premises in case of tax debts, will begin the implementation of the measure by the specific companies, as they have the largest debts to the Tax.
According to information from "F", these are, among others, supermarkets, betting companies, companies selling luxury boats and yachts, factories and industries. Despite warnings and recommendations from the Tax Department to repay their debts, these businesses did not respond. In addition to the other collection measures at its disposal, the Department will also implement the measure of sealing businesses.
These companies have already passed a strict audit, as, based on the data held by the competent authorities, they remain active, but do not pay their debts. According to the law, the measure of sealing businesses can be activated for legal entities with debts of more than €20,000. However, it was chosen by the Department to apply the provision first to those who have the largest debts.
The debts and the timetables
These businesses owe tens of thousands of euros to the tax authorities, both in direct taxes, such as income tax, extraordinary defense contribution and capital gains tax, as well as in withholding taxes and contributions, as well as VAT.
At the same time, the debts relate to self-taxation or a certificate from the Tax Commissioner that has become final, i.e. the deadlines for contestation have expired or the administrative and judicial procedure has been completed.
As "F" wrote a few days ago, the measure of sealing businesses will be implemented from June. A competent source told "F" that the specific businesses will not be immediately closed, but three notifications will be sent to them, through which they will gain a total of 25 days.
The goal, as we were told, is for these major debtors to start complying with their obligations and for the state to start collecting what they owe. This can be done either by paying off all debts in a lump sum or by creating schedules, i.e. through the repayment of debts in instalments.
Receipt Review Training
The sealing of businesses will not only be done for tax debts over €20,000, but also for the failure to issue invoices and receipts, as well as for the issuance of inaccurate invoices and receipts.
The measure will also apply in the event that taxpayers prevent taxpayers from carrying out checks on invoices and receipts.
The Tax Department has already procured tablets, while the required arrangements have been made, as well as the connection to the software of the competent authority. At the same time, the standards to be followed have been determined, while the officers of the Department will undergo training, so that the required checks on receipts and invoices are carried out correctly.
For non-submission of declarations
Regarding the non-submission of tax returns, VAT returns and tax and contribution withholding declarations, for which the stamping measure will also apply, debtors have until the end of the year to comply. Otherwise, from January 1, 2027, the operation of businesses will be suspended.
