The Finance Ministry issued a list detailing the types of electronic spending – credit and debit cards, e-banking and money forwarding – that will count toward the income tax discount granted to most taxpayers as of this year. Just a handful of expenses are excluded, meaning that the threshold will be attainable for most.
According to the decision, signed by Deputy Finance Minister Katerina Papanatsiou and published on Friday Jan 13th 2017, “it is only electronic payments of mortgage loans, rent, taxes of all forms, real estate acquisitions and vehicle purchases that are exempt from the sum required to be met by each salary worker, pensioner and farmer every year in order to establish the right to a tax discount of between 1,900 and 2,100 euros (depending on family status).”
For the first time, the Greek Finance Ministry accepts utility and telephone bills.
According to Skai.gr accepted to the tax discount are e-payments for the following categories:
• Supermarket (Food and non-alcoholic beverages).
• Alcoholic beverages and tobacco
• Clothing and footwear.
• Communications.
• Education.
• Hotels, cafés, restaurants.
• Water, electricity, gas, heating oil, sewage charges, furniture, lamps, etc.
• Bicycles, gasoline, diesel.
Medical expenses are in a separate category.
EKathimerini notes that “non-Greek EU citizens are exempt from the measure even if they submit an income tax declaration in Greece.”
If you are an expat living in Greece, better ask directly your accountant.
PS How about the payments via monthly order through the banks? For once in my life I wish Greek circulars were complete. For once!
