Finance Ministry to return 25% of income tax for last 5 years to Judges!

I am not so sure but I think that in this thick book called Greek Constitution it stays right in the beginning that “All Greeks are equal”. But what many people, especially expats do not know is that some Greeks are more equal than the others – especially when it comes to lawmakers and judges.

They are more equal than the other Greek citizens – I don’t know why. Maybe they are taller, smarter, cuter, sexier? The criteria are not defined.

But the General Secretariat for Revenues decided to bless them with a special bonus: 25% tax return for the incomes of the last 5 years!

The decision comes into effect as lawmakers and judges have equal tax treatment and it will affect all judges of all hierarchy levels, retired judges included.

According to Circular 1147/2016, the Finance Ministry will make a new clearing by calculating the income tax after deduction of 25% of the judges gross earnings. 

If I am not wrong, a couple of years ago, the judges had appealed to court about their tax equality to lawmakers who also enjoy a 25% tax deduction. The equality between lawmakers and judges came out of balance due to austerity measures. But hey! Justice is blind and the esteemed members of the Greek Administration got their right back.

The total cost for the tax return has not become public.

At the same time, the Greek judges are at odds with the government as they fiercely oppose the plans to have their retirement age increased to 67 from 65 now.

PS The rest of Greeks are allowed to pay their taxes until they bleed. If I am not wrong it is the same judges who have ruled that all austerity measures, all wages and pensions cuts and incredible tax hikes were legal. Sure, it’s the wage and the pension of the other.