Omiros Tsapalos: “Stricter but more efficient tax audits in 2026 with the new AADE system”

Omiros Tsapalos, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Finance, spoke today on ERTnews Radio 105.8, revealing the new tax audit system being prepared for 2026. The Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) is entering a new era, with the use of modern technology and artificial intelligence allowing for faster and more efficient audits, aimed at enhancing tax fairness.

According to Mr. Tsapalos, the new system linking cash registers with the AADE will allow immediate transmissionof transactions from businesses to the Authority. This innovative tool will facilitate the real-time recording of receipts and the instant detection of any unjustified reductions in reported transactions.

A Shift in Tax Practices: Immediate alerts and targeted audits

The new system will not impose immediate fines, as explained by Mr. Tsapalos. Instead, AADE will activate alerts when there is a sudden decrease in transactions. With the help of artificial intelligence, auditors will be able to identify areas or sectors with increased likelihood of tax evasion and conduct targeted audits, avoiding mass inspections.

Mr. Tsapalos highlighted that the system will allow auditors to predict and prevent unlawful behavior, with a special focus on nightclubs and other high-risk sectors, using data from previous violations. AADE auditors will collaborate with advanced technology to uncover hidden violations and reduce tax evasion more precisely and thoroughly.

The social dimension of audits and major changes for 2026

The government’s parallel effort to strengthen tax fairness through stricter audits is part of a broader strategy to increase public revenue. The goals for 2026 include boosting revenue through the fight against tax evasion, while also increasing incomes for citizens via tax cuts and raises in pensions and salaries.

Additionally, the government is preparing new tax benefits for 2026. These benefits, according to sources, will include tax cuts and reductions in social security contributions, which will be financed by higher revenues from fighting tax evasion. The new tax cuts are expected to be implemented by September 2026, targeting property owners, entrepreneurs, and retirees.

Tax cuts and business support: The strategy for 2026

Regarding tax benefits for 2026, the government is looking at reducing advance tax payments for self-employed professionals to enhance their liquidity. According to Mr. Tsapalos, the upgrade of the tax system is expected to contribute to the reduction of tax evasion and strengthen state revenues, which will then be used to finance new tax breaks, thereby supporting fair income redistribution.

The tax strategy for 2026 also seems set to include the elimination of the Professional Tax for companies, which is expected to help boost entrepreneurship and investments in Greece. At the same time, property owners are expected to benefit from new tax cuts on rents and the removal of the Professional Tax, provided that tax violations are reduced with the data interconnection.

The government’s stance: Solidarity or control?

The new tax system for 2026, as Mr. Tsapalos explained, aims to protect the compliant taxpayer while reducing injustices against citizens who follow the rules. As he noted, AADE’s goal is not to punish the honest professional but to target tax evasion, ensuring that other citizens do not face further burdens.

This new control system and the proposed relief measures are expected to create a fairer economic landscape, where businesses and professionals will have the opportunity to grow, while audits will be more flexible and targeted.

With cutting-edge technology and targeted policy interventions, 2026 promises to be a year of significant tax reformsand a new era for the country’s economy.

Source: pagenews.gr