Tourists and residents in Greece can now help catch tax evaders through an app – and may even receive a commission if their tip-off results in a conviction. Although many retailers, tradespeople and other service providers charge VAT to customers, they do not pay it to the tax authorities but pocket it themselves. The tax in Greece is as high as 24%. A report by the European Commission estimates the VAT gap in Greece at 17.8%, compared to the EU average of just under 5%.
In Greece, all cash registers and card terminals must be connected to the central tax authority’s data system via the internet or mobile phone. Each receipt has a QR code that is automatically generated and contains all the details of the transaction. The app enables the customer to scan the QR code with their smartphone camera. They then receive immediate feedback as to whether the receipt is valid and whether the till or card terminal is connected to the tax office.
Source: Luxembourg Times
