A number of companies that did not issue receipts or invoices to their customers or did not accept credit cards as a means of payment received a second letter from the Tax Department. A development that brings the competent Department closer to activating, for the first time, the measure of sealing the premises of businesses.
According to information from "F", these are businesses active in hairdressing, barbershops, clothing stores, massage, as well as businesses in the field of water sports.
Tax collectors, in the context of the campaign for the implementation of the collection measure of business stamping, which is included in the tax reform, identified a large number of businesses that were breaking the law, as they did not issue receipts or did not accept credit cards.
After the first deadline of fifteen days from the day of receipt of the first notice had passed, the officials of the Tax Department visited the businesses again, finding that some of them did not comply with the recommendations of the authorities.
Specifically, they identified a woman who runs businesses in coastal areas, which provide braids and hair extensions manufacturing services. At the same time, a barber, a masseur, a café owner, as well as a watersports business were located, who provided their services without, however, issuing receipts.
These individuals, who received the second warning letter, have another ten days to comply.
Closing the shutters
However, if they continue the same practice, the taxpayers will give them a third notice, with a deadline of five days to submit their proposals.
If even after the third warning there is no compliance with the legislation, then the Tax Department will proceed to seal the first premises.
It is worth noting that, for businesses that will be closed, the measure will come into force with its publication in the Official Gazette of the Republic.
Initially, the sealing will be for a period of ten days, while the Tax Commissioner has the right to seal the premises for another 20 days, in case the businesses continue to break the law.
According to information from "F", the measure of sealing the business will stop when it complies and after the issuance of a relevant certificate by the Tax Commissioner.
Lockdown for debts as well
It should be noted that, in addition to the violations related to the non-issuance of invoices and the non-acceptance of credit cards, the premises of businesses will be sealed for tax debts over €20,000 to income tax, special defense contribution, capital gains tax and VAT.
From 2027, the measure will also apply in the event of non-submission of at least two tax returns or 12 tax and contribution withholding declarations or three VAT returns.
420 businesses were breaking the law
Since last July, when the Tax Department started the campaign to implement the measure of sealing businesses, a total of 700 visits have been made, mainly to tourist areas.
In particular, tax collectors raided kiosks, barbershops, restaurants, souvenir shops, watersports, parking lots, pharmacies, cafes, beer gardens and businesses operating in the field of water excursions.
The audits found that 60% of the businesses, i.e. 420 businesses, were breaking the law, providing their services without issuing receipts to their customers.
However, the tax collectors returned to the businesses, finding that the majority of them stopped breaking the law and enforced the legislation. In particular, they began to issue receipts, installed cash registers and, at the same time, accepted credit cards.
It is worth noting that, in the context of the surprise raids, in some cases officials of the Department were obstructed by owners or business managers during the inspections.
In these cases and, in particular, if someone violates the sealing of the premises, the legislation provides for the imposition of a fine of up to €30,000 and/or imprisonment of up to two years.
The campaign of the Tax Department will continue intensively in the coming months, with the teams of competent officials going to audit businesses 24 hours a day.
