Overdue Taxes in Greece Hit €110.8 Billion, Debtors Surge to 4.2 Million

Greece’s overdue tax debts have skyrocketed past €110 billion, with more than 4.2 million taxpayers owing the state, according to the latest data from the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE).

The figures, covering January to April 2025, reveal a sharp rise in unpaid taxes, with households and businesses adding €3 billion in new overdue debts during this period according to greek city times

Rising Debt and Growing Debtors The AADE reports that total overdue tax debts reached €110.8 billion by April 2025, up from €3 billion in fresh arrears accumulated in the first four months of the year. The number of debtors also surged by 470,000, climbing from 3.77 million in December 2024 to 4.24 million by April. Of these, 2.23 million face potential asset or bank account seizures, while 1.59 million are already subject to enforced collection measures.

The net debt, after accounting for €26.35 billion deemed uncollectible, stands at €84.45 billion. Despite collection efforts, only €2.09 billion of old and new overdue debts were recovered in the first four months, with the AADE aiming to collect over €6 billion this year. This includes €3 billion from longstanding debts, €700 million from major debtors, €28 million from customs-related arrears, and a 33% collection rate on new overdue debts.

Crackdown on Major Debtors The tax authority is intensifying pressure on individuals and businesses owing more than €150,000 each, issuing notices to settle debts by June 20, 2025. Those who fail to comply risk having their names published on a public list of major debtors on June 30, 2025. Last year, the AADE listed 29,195 individuals and entities with combined debts exceeding €146.1 billion. This year, two separate lists will be released: one for tax and customs debts and another for social security (EFKA) arrears.

Exemptions from Public Disclosure Certain debts are exempt from public listing, including those under active repayment plans, debts suspended by court orders or legal provisions, uncollectible debts, and those owed by deceased individuals, minors, or public sector entities.

Plans to Address Uncollectible Debts Under its 2025 Operational Plan, the AADE aims to clear €10 billion in debts classified as uncollectible, which have remained unpaid despite repeated collection attempts. These debts, considered nearly impossible to recover, will be temporarily removed from the active ledger by year-end.

The mounting tax debt highlights ongoing challenges for Greek households and businesses grappling with economic pressures, as the government pushes for stricter compliance to bolster public finances.

Source: To Vima