The government is moving to further support society, as Minister of State for National Economy and Finance, Giorgos Kotsiras.
In a statement to “Action 24”, George Kotsiras noted that the official figures of Eurostat, which will form a clear environment “on the basis of which we can move to further support society, taking into account the spending rule of the European Union, the needs of citizens and the evolution of the crisis”. “We have proven that we do not leave society behind in the complex crises we are experiencing,” the Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance said.
He added that “in a very methodical, targeted and orderly effort that has been made over the years, we have managed together, society and the state, to form an economic working environment on which we can build policies with greater security for the improvement of the daily lives of citizens.” The value of this great effort, he noted, is particularly evident in complex and critical periods such as the one we are experiencing, as we can, without disturbing fiscal stability, support citizens.
The Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance referred, in particular, to a series of interventions that have been taken to support the disposable income of citizens in recent times, such as the tax cuts under the tax reform and the extraordinary measures to support economy and society against the energy crisis.
About 2.5 million tax returns have already been submitted
Asked about the progress of tax returns, Kotsiras pointed to two figures: firstly, the stability and security of the process and secondly, the tax reduction that a large portion of citizens will see thanks to interventions such as the reduction of the presumptions of living for houses and cars. He noted that some 2.5 million tax returns have already been submitted, that the number of pre-cleared returns is higher this year, and that tax refunds are being made quickly so that citizens are not inconvenienced. In addition, he pointed out that the 4% rebate is extended for those who submit the return by May 15 and pay back the tax by the end of July, so that citizens can make even more use of this positive reward.
Measurable results from the fight against tax evasion
Finally, on the issue of tax evasion, the Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance noted that it is a battle for life with three main objectives: first, the crackdown on an illegal behaviour; second, ensuring additional revenues are returned to society; and third, sending a message of social justice. This battle is yielding measurable results, he stressed, referring to the reduction of the VAT gap to below 10% and the support given for the continuous technological upgrade of the VAT department.
