In a groundbreaking move to combat tax evasion and illegal commercial use of public beaches, the Greek tax authorities have deployed drones as part of a rigorous enforcement strategy.
The unmanned aerial vehicles are being used to monitor beachfront activities, ensuring that businesses comply with tax regulations and concession agreements.
The drones provide a bird’s-eye view of the coastline, enabling authorities to swiftly identify and address any unauthorised use of beach areas, officials say.
The Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority has provided guidelines and restrictions for drone operations, ensuring that these devices are used responsibly and within legal parameters.
In addition to the drone surveillance, the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) has implemented a suite of digital tools to bolster tax compliance.
These include MyDATA, a system that tracks business transactions, and the integration of cash registers with POS systems, which enhances the transparency of financial operations.
The AADE inspectors, equipped with tablets and portable scanners, are conducting on-site inspections to cross-check reported financial data against actual business activities. The interim tax, a new measure under the Tax Procedure Code, allows for the imposition of a prepayment tax on entities suspected of tax evasion, even before their tax declarations are submitted.
Enforcement of the new measures come with the start of Greece’s bustling tourist season, part of a comprehensive strategy to ensure that all businesses operating in tourist areas, adhere to tax laws and contribute fairly to public revenues, officials say.
The ultimate goal is to maintain the integrity of Greece’s tourism industry, protect the environment, and ensure that the country’s natural resources are used responsibly and legally, officials explain.