The revival of the lost arrangements of 120 installments and the new arrangement of 32-72 installments for the “corona debts” in the Tax Office and in the EFKA risks falling into the void, as the tax professionals sector in Patras, as well as throughout Greece, warns.
The much-publicized revival of 120 installments only applies to those who had joined it in the past and lost it and not to new debtors, while in terms of debts created in the pandemic, only those who did not have 36 or 72 installments can join overdue debts or were consistent with previous arrangements until November 1, 2022. Also, refundable advance debts are excluded from the arrangements process, which also excludes a large part of businesses.
The press and media manager of the Association of Accountants, Tax Technicians and Self-Employed Professionals of the Prefecture of Achaia Polyxeni Karela, he told “Peloponnisos” that since the 7th of the month, when the electronic application platform was opened “we are still at point zero”.
As he explained, if a debtor was in the arrangement of 120 installments and for some reason missed it and then other debts were collected which he tried to arrange, he is now in big trouble.
Polyxeni Karela
This is because in the revival of the 120 installments provided for by the new regulation, the system does not “read” this action as “settled” in the 2021 audit, but as overdue, in which case the debtor is excluded from the continuation of the specific regulations. However, even if one succeeds in reviving the 120 installments, in order to maintain the arrangement, one must within one month have settled all their outstandings.
The Independent Public Revenue Authority (AADE)moreover, with a new application for mobile phones, plans for taxpayers to be able to handle all their tax obligations.
With the new app, which will go live in the near future, citizens will be able to see their tax picture or profile, pay their debts and receive updates and personalized notifications about their upcoming obligations. Essentially, the new application will also function as a tax calendar, which will be personalized for each taxpayer.
The professional, for example, will receive updates on the dates for submitting the VAT return and the due date for paying the tax. If he has not paid the VAT by, for example, April 30, he will receive a reminder message. The same will be done for income tax, ENFIA or for any debtor who has joined one of the arrangements now running in the Ministry of Finance and the AADE.
AT “P” ACCOUNTANTS, TAX TECHNICIANS
As stated in “P” Accountants Tax Techniciansthe reintegration of debtors into the 120-installment arrangement has so far had almost zero impact on Patras. The same happens with those who had debts to EFKA, as, in the same way, the system “rejects” them.
The professionals of the sector, according to what Mrs. Karela mentioned to “P”, believe that the Ministry of Finance should proceed with a horizontal, new regulation of 120 installments, which would include both the debts of the lost regulations and the new due dates debts. Unfortunately, the accountants’ proposal was not accepted by the ministry’s leaders and now, the new arrangement is at risk of failure, despite the great interest that exists.
TAX OFFICERS AS…”COLLECTORS”
In the meantime, the business plan of the Independent Public Revenue Authority (AADE) foresees for this year 80,000 phone calls from tax officials with the aim of “reminding” taxpayers of their obligations.
Even those who have debts of up to 500 euros, but also those who have not submitted VAT returns or payroll tax returns by the deadline, or have left unpaid amounts of VAT or income tax, ENFIA or other taxes, come under the microscope. On the phone, taxpayers will hear the tax official informing them of the amount of their debt, asking them when and if they intend to pay.
Depending on the answer comes the continuation. If the taxpayer is unable to pay, the official reminds that there is also the fixed arrangement of 24-48 installments. If he does not pay or settle his debt then he will be faced with compulsory measures, i.e. with pledges and confiscations of bank deposits and other assets. the address no.reply@taxisnet.gr know that it is from the tax office.
#EFKA #Bell #Patrina #debt #settlement #installments
**Interview with Polyxeni Karela, Press and Media Manager of the Association of Accountants, Tax Technicians and Self-Employed Professionals of the Prefecture of Achaia**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Polyxeni. There’s been quite a buzz over the revival of the 120 installment plan for tax debts. Can you describe the current situation for those who are hoping to take advantage of this option?
**Polyxeni Karela:** Thank you for having me. The situation is indeed complicated. While the revival of the 120 installment plan sounds promising, it only benefits those who had previously joined it and then lost it. Unfortunately, this does not extend to new debtors, which excludes a large group of people who could really use this support.
**Interviewer:** That must be frustrating for many taxpayers. What specific challenges are you hearing about from tax professionals in Greece?
**Polyxeni Karela:** As of now, we’re essentially at a standstill. Many people who missed a payment while in the 120 installments face significant issues. The system does not recognize their attempts to revive their arrangements— instead, it classifies them as overdue debts, which disqualifies them from the available options. It’s creating a cycle of confusion and distress for both taxpayers and professionals like us.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like a precarious situation. What steps can those affected take to navigate these challenges?
**Polyxeni Karela:** It’s essential for debtors to stay informed and proactive. They need to ensure all outstanding amounts are settled within one month to maintain any revived arrangements. However, given the current limitations of the system, I advise consulting with a tax professional to explore alternative solutions and ensure they remain compliant with their obligations.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that the Independent Public Revenue Authority (AADE) is launching an application to help taxpayers manage their obligations. What features can we expect from this app?
**Polyxeni Karela:** The new mobile app is designed to enhance the taxpayer’s experience significantly. Users will be able to view their tax obligations, pay debts, and receive personalized notifications regarding deadlines. It functions like a tax calendar tailored to each individual’s specific situation, including reminders for VAT returns, income tax payments, and any other obligations associated with existing arrangements.
**Interviewer:** That sounds like a valuable resource! In light of all these developments, what advice would you offer to taxpayers moving forward?
**Polyxeni Karela:** Staying informed is key. With recent changes and new tools at their disposal, taxpayers should take advantage of resources available to them, whether through this new app or by working closely with tax professionals. Open communication with tax authorities can also help clarify uncertainties and potentially lead to more favorable outcomes.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Polyxeni. It’s clear that while there are challenges, there are also resources and strategies available to navigate these complexities.
**Polyxeni Karela:** Thank you for having me. I hope our discussion helps shed light on these important issues.
