Reductions in tax fees, new<\/b> transparency regulations<\/b> and a tougher framework for tackling<\/b> tax evasion brings the new bill<\/b>.<\/p>\n
Significant interventions in the tax framework are being launched<\/b> through the new bill that has completed its processing in Parliament<\/b>, with the deputy minister of National Economy Giorgos Kotsiras<\/b> being at the focus of the developments and presenting changes aimed at modernizing the tax administration<\/b> and enhancing transparency<\/b>. The draft law incorporates a European directive<\/b> on administrative cooperation in taxation and brings amendments<\/b> to critical procedures for investors<\/b>, fines and tax audits, while the government<\/b> links it to the fight against tax evasion<\/b> and the proportionality of burdens<\/b>. George Kotsiras argues that a more modern and fair tax system<\/b> is being pursued, while the opposition<\/b> is highly critical, citing inequalities<\/b> and a burden on small and medium-sized businesses<\/b>.<\/p>\n
The processing of the b>bill of the Ministry of National Economy<\/b>, concerning the “transposition of the community directive on administrative cooperation in the field of taxation, pension<\/b> arrangements and other provisions<\/b>“, was completed in second reading in the competent committee of the Parliament<\/b>.<\/p>\nThe meeting<\/h3>\n
The bill was voted for in principle only by the ND MPs, while all the other opposition parties – except for the KKE, which voted against – reserved their positions for tomorrow’s debate and vote by the plenary.<\/p>\n
The Deputy Minister of National Economy, George Kotsiras, responding to the proposals of parties and institutions, made a legislative improvement, reducing from 15,000 euros to 10,000 euros and from 5,000 euros to 3,500 euros the fees for the tax binding responses of the administration to investors.<\/p>\n
At the same time, he assured that the leadership of the Ministry of National Economy will evaluate other issues that have been raised by both competent bodies and the parties, stressing that “here we are, we will evaluate all proposals that move in a realistic direction, in order to provide comprehensive and fair solutions.”<\/p>\n
As Mr. Kotsiras said, “the objective of the bill is primarily the adaptation of Greek legislation to European legislation, creating a robust, serious, modern, transparent and fair tax system.”<\/p>\n
“There is no fine lust, but there can be no impunity in tax fraud,” he said, adding that the provisions are aimed at the proportionality of tax burdens on citizens, and the strengthening of legal certainty.”<\/p>\n
PASOK general rapporteur Paris Koukoulopoulos focused his criticism and proposals on the provisions of the bill on the imposition of fines, noting that “nothing of substance changes in order to make the tax system fairer.”<\/p>\n
“Although the provisions are positive and in the right direction, they are not enough. We need rationalization and more generous regulation to address the absurdity and excesses that exist in our tax system,” Koukoulopoulos noted.<\/p>\n
Syriza’s special rapporteur, Kostas Barkas, argued that “behind the title of administrative tax reform is another multi-bill with disparate provisions.”<\/p>\n
“The point is not to have a tax system that is strict on paper and inadequate in practice,” he said, stressing that “it once again shifts the burden of compliance to small and medium-sized taxpaying citizens by exempting or easing the tax burden on big businessmen.”<\/p>\n
Christos Tsokanis, the special rapporteur of the Communist Party of Greece, argued that “this legislative initiative of the government also does not provide any solution to the huge deadlocks of Greek citizens; instead, it fully meets the demands, facilities and further tax reductions of big business groups.”<\/p>\n
New Left’s special rapporteur, Euclid Tsakalotos, noted that “the principle of the bill is how to deconstruct the public sector, without any interest and goal from the government to effectively and fairly address the great social tax inequalities.”<\/p>\n
Hellenic Solution’s special rapporteur, Stylianos Fotopoulos, accused the government of “selectively incorporating the European directive by rewarding high income earners with taxes and continuing to burden citizens and professionals with low incomes.”<\/p>\n
NIKIS’ special rapporteur, Andreas Voryllas, said that “what is missing from the government’s will is the effective fight against tax evasion, as at the same time it increases the pressure on small and medium taxpayers, it shows great tolerance for big tax evaders.”<\/p>\n
The special rapporteur of the Electoral Alliance for Freedom, Alexandros Kazamias, spoke of “a problematic bill, without a unified concept, but with a collage of disparate provisions and with photographic privileged clientelistic provisions.”<\/p>\n
As he argued, “the measures it provides are not for the fight against tax evasion, but are a procedure of tax raid against citizens.<\/p>\n
NWD MP George Karasmanis, in an intervention, called “to stop the injustice done to farmers’ market producers and to include them in the corresponding tax exemptions enjoyed by sellers of agricultural products.”<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
This proposal was also submitted by the general rapporteur of the New Democracy Party, Theodoros Karaoglou, who described the bill as “an important institutional intervention that shields transparency and social justice and effectively and efficiently addresses modern forms of tax evasion that until now have remained unchecked, burdening the consistent citizens.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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