The online platform has been open since yesterday (4.11.2024) for those who are liable to submit Asset Status Declarations (Never Debt) for 2023 in respect of the assets they had in 2022.
From November 18, it is also expected that the platform will be opened for declarations 2024 Pothen Eschesh, related to the asset picture 2023 On the same date, the platform will also be opened for certain categories of debtors, such as initial declarations Pothen Eschese of. those who have received an obligation to receive a declaration from 28 February 2023 to 30 September 2024.
The deadline for submitting 2023 and 2024 declarations is 31 December 2024. As long as the declaration has been completed in time, the debtor may submit an amending declaration within 30 days of the deadline for submission.
The platform this year will include significant changes compared to previous years. The most characteristic distinction, according to the plan, is that it will be possible to draw all aspects of the taxpayers’ property situation - income, real estate, deposits, investment products – automatically. The taxpayer will only assert their right.
In practice this implies greater transparency, as the possibility of hiding income or assets is reduced. Also, the inconvenience to citizens from the collection of information, especially by banks, is limited. The competent agencies believe that this new initiative will make significant improvements to the declaration submission process, increasing the transparency and efficiency of the tax administration.
The new process includes the following steps:
- Submission Platform: The submission will be made through the platform www.pothen.gr, where notaries will already be able to submit copies of notarized documents. This addition will speed up the process and facilitate communication between notaries and the tax authority.
- Electronic filing of notarial documents: Notaries are required to file all notarial documents electronically within 15 days of their signature. That obligation will ensure speed and accuracy in the process of gathering the necessary data.
- Personal login codes: The obligees will enter the platform with their personal TAXIS codes to submit the declaration, which will ensure the security and protection of their personal data.
- Automatic display of items: Personal and tax information will automatically be displayed as entered in the tax register, allowing taxpayers to correct any errors before submitting the return.
- Automatic transfer of assets: Assets will be transferred automatically, including income, property, bank accounts, vehicles and loans over €5,000. This feature is expected to reduce the chance of errors and save time during the submission process.
- Correctness: Obligors will have the opportunity to check and correct their information before the declaration is finalized, by adding or deleting entries and attaching the necessary supporting documents.
- Submit required documents online: In the declarations that will be checked compulsorily, the necessary documents will be attached electronically, unless they have been transferred automatically. Obligors will only attach new information in cases where their property status changes.
- Amending Statements: As long as the declaration has been completed in time, the debtor is allowed to submit an amending declaration within 30 days of the end of the submission deadline.
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, Dr. Eleni Petrova, a leading expert in tax administration and digital governance. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent updates on the Asset Status Declarations platform.
Dr. Eleni Petrova (EP): Thank you for having me! I’m excited to shed light on these important developments.
TNE: So, to start with, can you explain what the Asset Status Declarations platform is and its significance for taxpayers?
EP: Absolutely! The Asset Status Declarations platform is designed for individuals who need to declare their financial status—specifically their assets—related to the year 2022. It’s particularly important as it ties into the broader effort of increasing tax compliance and transparency. Taxpayers must submit their declaration for the assets they held last year, and this year marks a notable shift with the introduction of automation.
TNE: You mentioned automation, which seems to be one of the major changes this year. How will this impact the declaration process?
EP: Great question! The automated system means taxpayers can now see a comprehensive view of their financial picture—everything from income to real estate and investments—without needing to sift through extensive documentation themselves. This significantly reduces the burden on citizens to gather and report this data while simultaneously increasing transparency since there are fewer opportunities to conceal assets or income.
TNE: That sounds like a game changer for many! The deadline for submitting these declarations is set for December 31, 2024. What will happen if someone submits after this date?
EP: If taxpayers complete their declaration on time, they still have the flexibility to submit an amended declaration within 30 days of the deadline. However, penalties or interest might still apply for late submissions, so it’s always best to adhere to the timeline.
TNE: The platform is also expanding to include categories of debtors starting November 18, 2024. Can you elaborate on that?
EP: Certainly! This expansion will allow for initial declarations, particularly for those individuals who have been mandated to declare their assets by the tax authority between February 28, 2023, and September 30, 2024. This inclusion is part of a wider strategy to ensure broader compliance and to streamline the process, ensuring that more people can easily participate.
TNE: There seems to be a strong emphasis on transparency and efficiency this year. How does the new process ensure this?
EP: The use of digital platforms and the electronic filing of notarial documents, required within 15 days of notarization, is going to cut down on delays and improve communication between taxpayers, notaries, and the tax authority. The system is also designed to automatically aggregate relevant asset data, which reduces the cumbersome work often associated with tax filing. All these elements work together to create a more efficient tax administration system.
TNE: In your opinion, what are the broader implications of these changes for the future of tax administration in the region?
EP: These reforms signal a notable shift towards a more modernized tax administration that leverages technology. It not only fosters better compliance but also builds trust with citizens through transparency. If the system proves successful, we could see similar initiatives rolled out in other sectors, paving the way for innovation in public administration overall.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Petrova! It’s clear that these updates could have far-reaching effects on how citizens interact with tax authorities. We appreciate your insights today!
EP: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this important topic! I’m looking forward to seeing how this evolves.