NEW YORK –
The Consulate General of Greece in New York, in collaboration with the Hellenic American Chamber of Commerce, hosted the well-attended informational event “Greek Taxes Made Simple”, attracting a large and engaged audience from the Greek-American community, on December 10.
The keynote address was delivered by Giorgos Pitsilis, Governor of the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE), accompanied by senior officials from the Authority, who collectively outlined the evolving landscape of the Greek tax system.
The event aimed to provide Greek nationals living abroad with clear, practical guidance on their tax obligations and rights, while also shedding light on the extensive reforms modernizing Greece’s tax administration.
Pitsilis underlined the Greek Government’s and AADE’s commitment to deepening the relationship of trust between the diaspora and the tax administration. He presented a series of reforms aimed at simplifying procedures, enhancing transparency, and significantly expanding digital services.
The presentation highlighted AADE’s ongoing transformation, which includes the establishment of new centralised service hubs:
- Tax Procedures & Service Centres (KEFODE)
- Assessment & Collection Centres (KEVEIS)
- Capital Tax Centres (KEFOK)
Particular emphasis was placed on the new digital systems designed to support non-residents of Greece:
1. myAADE – Digital Registration & Online Services
- A fully digital process for obtaining a Greek Tax Identification Number (AFM).
- Online submission of income declarations, taxpayer rights forms, and private-use vessel documentation.
- Digital processing of residence-transfer declarations and customs exemptions for personal belongings and one vehicle.
2. MIDAS – Unified Digital Property Registry
- A state-of-the-art platform consolidating all property data into a single digital dossier.
- Integration of information from the E9 form, the Hellenic Cadastre, electricity supply numbers, and more.
- Aimed at providing seamless, centralised property management through one portal.
3. my1521 – Real-Time Live Support
- AADE’s new Taxpayer Service Centre.
- Operating daily from 7:00 to 20:00, with an average waiting time of only 15 seconds.
- Available to individuals, businesses, and professionals alike.
The impact of these digital initiatives has been overwhelmingly positive, with rising satisfaction levels, shorter response times, and higher resolution rates. AADE continues to welcome user feedback to further refine its services.
The event’s interactive Q&A session sparked thoughtful discussion, with attendees raising a wide range of practical issues.
Key topics included the use of a Greek Tax Identification Number (TIN), the circumstances under which tax obligations arise in Greece, issues related to owning property in Greece, the criteria for determining tax residency, the tax treatment of retirees living in Greece, the avoidance of double taxation, and the incentives designed to encourage individuals to transfer their tax residency to Greece.
According to the organizers, the event provided a dynamic and effective channel of communication between Greece’s modern tax administration and Greeks living abroad. At a time of growing international mobility and increasingly complex cross-border income flows, the session offered the diaspora clear, reliable, and immediately actionable information—helping to dispel uncertainties and simplify decision-making.
The Consulate General of Greece in New York and the Hellenic American Chamber of Commerce expressed their sincere gratitude to the speakers and to all who contributed to this highly valuable and engaging event.
