kathimerini.gr
Greece to Automate Tax Returns, Targeting 2 Million Pre-filled Declarations Next Year
The Greek tax authority (AADE) plans to increase pre-filled tax returns to 2 million next year, automating the process further in coming years by using data from new applications to pre-fill forms E1, E2, and E3, although taxpayers will need to review the information.
- What is AADE's plan to increase the automation of Greek tax returns, and what are the immediate impacts?
- The Greek tax authority (AADE) plans to increase pre-filled tax returns for employees, pensioners, and professionals to 2 million next year, from 1.3 million this year. This is part of a broader effort to automate tax filing, aiming for fully automated submissions in a few years. Taxpayers will still need to review the pre-filled information.
- What are the potential long-term impacts of AADE's automation plan on taxpayers and the overall tax system in Greece?
- The AADE's plan to fully automate tax returns within a few years will likely impact taxpayer behavior, potentially leading to increased reliance on AADE's pre-filled data and reduced tax preparation time. However, continued vigilance is crucial to ensure accuracy, as taxpayers remain responsible for submitting their returns. The success hinges on the timely implementation of new applications such as the Real Estate Ownership Registry.
- How does AADE's data collection and application strategy contribute to the automation of tax filings and the reduction of tax evasion?
- AADE's automation strategy leverages new platforms and applications to gather data, enabling pre-filling of tax forms. This includes automatically transferring data from property income (form E2) to personal income tax (form E1), and pre-filling form E3 (business activity). The goal is to streamline the process and reduce tax evasion by minimizing manual adjustments.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article's framing is largely positive, emphasizing the benefits of increased automation and pre-filled tax returns. This positive framing might overshadow potential drawbacks or difficulties associated with the implementation of the new system. The headline (if there were one) and introduction would likely reinforce this positive perspective. The focus is on the AADE's perspective and accomplishments, with less attention to potential user challenges or broader societal impacts.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral, using factual reporting to explain the planned changes. However, phrases such as "closing tax evasion loopholes" may be viewed as slightly loaded, implying a problem that is being solved rather than a more neutral description of the intended impact. The repeated positive description of the process could be seen as subtly influencing reader opinion in favor of the AADE's plans.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses primarily on the Greek tax authority's (AADE) plans to automate tax returns, potentially neglecting counterarguments from taxpayers or discussions about potential challenges in implementation. While the benefits for taxpayers are highlighted, concerns about data privacy, system errors, or the digital literacy of all taxpayers are not explicitly addressed. The article also doesn't discuss the potential impact on tax professionals.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplified view of the situation, focusing on the AADE's efforts to streamline the process and implicitly suggesting this will primarily benefit taxpayers, thereby closing tax evasion loopholes. The complexities involved in data accuracy, system vulnerabilities and potential for misuse of the data are not adequately addressed. It presents a binary of automated efficiency versus potential for tax evasion without sufficient nuance.
Sustainable Development Goals
By automating tax declarations and pre-filling forms, the Greek tax authority aims to reduce the administrative burden on taxpayers, particularly benefiting low-income individuals and those with limited digital literacy. This measure promotes fairness and equal access to tax services, contributing to reduced inequality.