Greece's IAPR Launches 2025-2029 Strategic Plan for AI-Driven Tax Collection

The Independent Authority for Public Revenue has established a comprehensive five-year strategic plan extending through 2029 to modernize the Greek tax collection system. The agency, also known as AADE, intends to transition into a fully data-driven organization by the end of the decade. This initiative focuses on a complete digital transformation to improve the quality of services provided to both individuals and businesses. Governor Giorgos Pitsilis, who has led the authority since 2017, emphasized that the plan will utilize advanced technology to streamline administrative processes. The strategy aims to create a more transparent and efficient environment for taxpayers while increasing state revenue through improved compliance. The Independent Authority for Public Revenue was established on January 1, 2017, replacing the General Secretariat of Public Revenue of the Ministry of Finance. It was designed as an administratively and financially independent body to insulate tax collection from political influence. Since its inception, the agency has worked to consolidate various tax and customs functions under a single digital framework. These reforms were initially part of broader efforts to stabilize the Greek economy following the international debt crisis.

The new strategic framework introduces the use of artificial intelligence and big data analytics for predictive modeling and stricter auditing procedures. These digital tools will allow the authority to conduct mass cross-checks of financial transactions, real estate data, and bank account information. By identifying discrepancies in real-time, the IAPR expects to detect potential tax evasion more effectively than with traditional manual methods. The plan outlines a shift toward proactive inspections based on risk analysis rather than random sampling. This technological upgrade is intended to close existing loopholes in the reporting of income and assets. The authority will also focus on integrating various electronic platforms to ensure seamless data sharing across government departments.

A central objective of the 2025-2029 plan is to significantly reduce the national tax deficit, specifically targeting the value-added tax sector. The IAPR has set a goal to bring the Greek VAT gap down to 5% by the end of the five-year period, which would align the country with the European Union average. This target is viewed as a critical benchmark for the success of the new digital enforcement measures. The authority plans to maintain a balance between stricter audits and the simplification of procedures to encourage voluntary tax compliance. „Στόχος το κενό ΦΠΑ το 2029 να φτάσει στο 5%” (The goal is for the VAT gap to reach 5% in 2029) — Giorgos Pitsilis via Capital.gr