Greek Tax Authorities to Step Up Airbnb Inspections

Greece’s Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) is expected to scale up inspections of short-term holiday rentals to tackle tax evasion, according to local media reports.

The news comes as Greek lawmakers prepare to table a new regulatory framework in efforts to reign in the quickly growing sector which generates 3.3 billion euros annually and has seen the number of overnight stays increase to 45 million from 38,5 million in 2019.

The proposed bill which concerns some 129,000 listed properties available for short-term rental through online platforms has spurred reactions from property owners and hosts as well as from hoteliers who argue that they are losing business.

Tax authorities are also expected to step up inspections of short-term properties leased out privately and not through online platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com. Private properties rented through social media (including Facebook and Instagram) are currently not regulated and owners will be required to sign up to the country’s short-term rental registry.

According to local media reports, tax authorities will be on the lookout for undeclared Airbnb-style rentals especially during the upcoming holiday season and fines for violations will start from 5,000 euros and reach 20,000 euros.

Earlier this month, the European Commission presented a set of proposed rules aimed at regulating short-term tourist rentals and helping authorities ensure balanced tourism development. Among others, the Commission proposes online platforms automatically share data once a month with public authorities about the number of rented nights and of guests.