The application for submitting tax returns is expected to open in about two weeks, as the latest changes, such as the reduction in advance tax payments, changes to electronic receipts, etc., will need to be incorporated. The deadline is the end of July, but if taxpayers file their returns in August, they will not be considered late, provided they pay double the tax by the end of August.
This was stated by Finance Minister Christos Staikouras speaking to MEGA, while regarding ENFIA he said that «there will be no changes compared to last year. There is a reduction of 22%.» He clarified that the objective values will not change this year, essentially referring to 2022 for any changes in zone prices. «The exercise will run its course, and as there is a commitment to zero fiscal impact, we will see how we can incorporate the promised reduction of 8%,» he stressed.
At the same time, he said that economic support measures would amount to €3 billion over the coming months and would only be withdrawn gradually.
Specifically, he stated:
– Yesterday, €62.7 million in balances were paid out from «Refundable Advance 7» to 20,359 beneficiaries. Meanwhile, through this program, €167 million was credited to the catering industry during Holy Week.
– There are zero rents in May and some remaining months are pending for landlords. «For rents in June, we will have to see how the economy progresses. We will consider the possibility of reduced rents,» he added, also saying that the method of payment for April compensation will be the same as in February and March, i.e., in advance.
– The «GEFIRA II» program is underway, with 22,921 companies having joined, while an extension will be granted until the end of the month for other companies to register their participation.
– Targeted programs of the Ministry of Development are promoted.
– Before the end of May, an initial expression of interest is expected with the opening of the platform to cover part of the fixed needs for businesses. «The platform will remain open until approximately June 10, after which the amounts will be distributed between EFKA and AADE. Citizens and businesses will be able to defer their obligations to the AADE and EFKA until the end of the year, depending on the amounts allocated to them,» he said.
– The platform for enhanced special-purpose compensation is expected to open by May 17, and the amounts will be paid by the end of the month.
Regarding the permanence of tax cuts, Mr. Staikouras noted that these will be examined in light of fiscal balance. «We forecast a deficit of 7% this year and zero deficit in 2022. Support measures will be gradually withdrawn and, together with the recovery and the utilization of the Recovery Fund's resources, we will ensure fiscal balance without austerity measures,» he said. «We have resources and are building cash reserves at zero borrowing cost. Tourism will do better than last year, while there is a €20 billion increase in deposits and the Recovery Fund,» he added about the «day after.».
Finally, he said that no new cycle of «Refundable Advance Payments» is planned, while responding to a question about the exclusion of many from the 7th phase program, he noted that «a large number of people are submitting applications, even though they know they are not eligible.» At the same time, he said that a two-day extension is planned for the submission of final applications, as there is a program upgrade at the AADE.
