Greek FinMin to trace tax evaders lavishly spending in gym and dance schools subscriptions

Greece is seeking the “super rich” who avoid declaring their real income. However as the real super rich are real untouchable, the average John Greek and his lavish expenditure will be turned up side down and registered in a central tax payers registry.

What makes the average Greek to tax evading super rich? Apparently such extravagant spending for gym, dance schools and martial arts academies. You spend 300 euro per year for your push-ups, tango steps or kickboxing? This is more than suspicious, if your tax declaration does not justify your spending.

Tax authorities have set a deadline (February 20th 2013) up to which all owners of above mentioned enterprises will have to submit the tax numbers of their customers and the fees they pay.

It is not mentioned how authorities will avoid the sinister cooperation between gym owners and runners to declare official fee subscription is just 5-10 euro per month, while the rest will be paid under the table and thus for the tax comfort of both parties involved.

Greek Finance Ministry seeks to establish a central supervisory authority (national electronic registry) that will electronically register and check all transactions of all citizens: loans, stocks, hospital bills, funds, private insurance companies, electricity, water and phone bills, any transaction between a bank and its customers.

All data collected by the General Secretariat of Information Systems, will be used at intersections in order to identify taxpayers who have small incomes but large consumer spending.

Authororities will be able to check not only the the suspicious tax evader but also his family and other close relatives.

In a relevant report, Sunday newspaper Proto Thema asked gym owners about their customers’ reactions. Some gave their tax numbers while the majority reacted angrily even claiming issues of personal data.

As of 1. March 2013, tax inspectors may be beamed to families gathered around the lunch table. If the total worth of Sunday roast, side dishes and dessert can not be justified through the tax declaration, rumors claim the difference might get taxed with 40%. Unless, inspectors leave the family table with a tupperware (sauce in extra jar).

The move of the Greek Finance Minisry is absolute logical and I hail it also for another reason. How can one dance around, walk on gym treadmills and share punches left and right, when the country is mourning due to the loss of its national economic sovereignty?