A sweeping investigation by Greece’s Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) has revealed widespread tax evasion among freelancers and small business owners, with thousands reporting losses in 2024 despite high levels of business activity, officials said.
Data from the probe, first reported by ANT1 News, showed that seven in 10 bar owners and one in two restaurant owners reported losses in 2024.
Officials described the findings as a “party of tax evasion” across key service sectors. Six out of 10 hair salons also claimed financial losses.
The investigation found many self-employed professionals declared implausibly low monthly incomes. Painters, for example, reported earning an average of just €345 per month, while hairdressers declared only €298.
By comparison, a salaried employee earning €1,470 a month pays approximately €2,023 in annual taxes. Because of imputed income rules, the hairdresser declaring €298/month still faced an average tax bill of €1,630, highlighting the severe underreporting.
Tax evasion remains one of Greece’s most entrenched challenges.
AADE sources said the new cross-checking system uses "tekmiria," or living-expense presumptions, to link declared income to spending patterns and business turnover. Officials are preparing a new wave of audits targeting high-risk sectors.