kathimerini.gr
Greece to Adjust Professional Income Tax in 2026
The Greek government is considering minor 2026 tax law changes for professionals, contingent on a Council of State ruling on the constitutionality of presumptive income taxation, potentially eliminating a 5% increase on income exceeding the KAD average; professionals can contest their assessed income until September 15th.
- What immediate impact will the planned tax adjustments have on Greek professionals in 2026?
- The Greek government plans minor tax adjustments for professionals in 2026, aiming to correct errors potentially burdening specific professionals. These changes hinge on a Council of State ruling on the constitutionality of their presumptive income tax system.
- What long-term effects might the changes to the presumptive income tax system have on the Greek economy and tax compliance?
- The government's actions reflect a response to taxpayer challenges regarding presumptive income tax. The outcome of the Council of State ruling and subsequent adjustments will significantly impact the financial burden on Greek professionals, possibly altering future tax planning and compliance.
- How will the Council of State's decision on the constitutionality of presumptive income tax shape the government's planned adjustments?
- The adjustments likely involve modifying the rate at which taxable income is increased when gross revenue surpasses the average for a specific business activity code (KAD). Currently, a 5% increase applies to the excess amount. For example, a professional with €35,000 exceeding the KAD average by €10,000 would see a €500 increase. This percentage might be eliminated.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article's framing is slightly biased towards those who disagree with the tax assessment. While it presents the government's plans, it emphasizes the process of challenging the assessment and highlights the potential for the 5% increase to be eliminated, thus focusing on a potential benefit for taxpayers who challenge the system.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and factual. However, phrases like "potentially unfair burdens on specific professionals" subtly frame the tax policy negatively without providing direct evidence of unfairness. The article also uses terms like 'errors' instead of more neutral terms like 'discrepancies' or 'areas for improvement'.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the process of challenging the tax assessment and the information required, but omits discussion of the potential consequences of a successful challenge or the government's rationale behind the initial tax policy. It also doesn't explore alternative solutions or perspectives from those who support the current system. This omission could limit the reader's ability to form a fully informed opinion.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by framing the issue as a simple choice between accepting the tax assessment or challenging it. It doesn't acknowledge the possibility of negotiation or compromise between the taxpayer and the tax authority.
Gender Bias
The article doesn't exhibit overt gender bias in its language or representation. However, the requirement to provide information about spouses and dependents could disproportionately affect women if they are more likely to be responsible for managing household finances.
Sustainable Development Goals
The government is planning changes to the taxation of professionals in 2026 to correct errors that may lead to over taxation of specific professionals. This aims to reduce inequality by ensuring a fairer tax system. The changes are planned after a court decision on the constitutionality of the presumptive taxation method. The potential elimination of the 5% tax increase on income exceeding the average for the professional's sector directly addresses inequalities created by the current system.