Greece Considers Tax Filing Deadline Extension Amid Accountant Pressure

With the July 15 tax filing deadline looming, accountants and market participants in Greece are intensifying pressure on the government for an extension. The market is reaching its limit as the deadline approaches, with accountants reporting extreme stress and the Economic Chamber of Greece receiving numerous calls.

Sources indicate that a one-week extension, likely to July 22, is now considered probable as the Ministry of Finance appears poised to concede. This move aims to alleviate the current strain and manage the situation effectively.

The pressure on accounting offices is described as suffocating. Official data reveals that out of an expected 6.9 million tax returns, 6,001,433 have been finalized. This leaves approximately 900,000 returns to be processed in a very short timeframe, a task deemed nearly impossible to complete without disruptions.

Several technical issues are exacerbating the delays. The myDATA platform requires 24 to 48 hours for necessary entries like inventory adjustments and depreciation to reflect on the E3 form, creating a domino effect. Additionally, the healthcare sector faces a standstill due to delays in issuing Claw Back and Rebate statements for 2025, preventing businesses from finalizing their financial results and filing their returns. Furthermore, scheduled upgrades to the e-EFKA platform have disrupted access to insurance contribution certificates for 2025, adding another hurdle to obtaining necessary documentation.