Greece braces for 8.56 billion euro tax haul in July

Greece is bracing for a significant tax collection surge in July, with the state expecting to collect 8.56 billion euros. This figure represents the highest monthly revenue for 2026 and a substantial increase from June. The influx is driven by a convergence of major tax obligations for millions of households and businesses.

The deadline of Friday, July 31, looms large as taxpayers must settle multiple payments. These include the first installment of income tax, the fifth installment of the ENFIA property tax, Value Added Tax (VAT) for professionals and businesses, and ongoing payments for existing debt arrangements. This convergence creates a heavy financial burden for many.

According to budget data, tax revenues are projected to reach 8.564 billion euros in July, an increase of 2.67 billion euros compared to June. While monthly collections are expected to decrease after July, they will remain at high levels through the end of the year. August is forecast to bring in 6.324 billion euros, September 6.412 billion euros, October 6.679 billion euros, November 5.738 billion euros, and December, including vehicle tax payments, 6.961 billion euros.

Overall, taxpayers are expected to pay 39.558 billion euros in taxes during the second half of the year, a notable rise from the 34 billion euros collected in the first half. This year, over 2.4 million taxpayers received tax assessments for their 2025 income totaling 4.983 billion euros. Those who pay their full tax bill by July 31, 2026, can receive a discount of 2% to 4%, depending on when they filed their return. Alternatively, taxes can be paid in eight monthly installments, or up to 12 interest-free installments via credit card, or up to 24 interest-bearing installments through a standard payment arrangement. The average tax assessed for individuals with a bill was 2,075 euros.

Simultaneously, over 6 million property owners are making their fifth of twelve monthly ENFIA payments. Businesses and professionals must also settle their June or second-quarter VAT by the end of the month, along with any installments for existing debt arrangements. The tax filing season concluded with record numbers for both individuals and legal entities, according to the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE). A total of 6,737,763 tax returns were filed on time, an increase of 31,672 from 2025, covering 8,954,982 individuals.