As of December 31, 2013, a new comprehensive property tax, referred to as ΕΝΦΙΑ (or ‘ENFIA’), applies to all Greek property holdings, including apartments, single-family dwellings, plots of land, agricultural property, property within or outside of municipal or other plans, all building structures etc., with no exceptions.

Pursuant to Law No. 4223/2013, this tax is imposed upon all property owners including individuals with full title (πλήρη κυριότητα), individuals with life estates (επικαρπία), individuals with remainder interests (ψιλή κυριότητα) and commercial entities.

The tax is based on a sliding scale and its calculation is based upon the objective value of the property as designated by the Greek Tax Authorities. An additional tax applies for taxpayers whose total property holdings are valued over 300,000 euros, according to the objective values designated by the Greek Tax Authorities.

New tax declaration requirements
Anyone who has a life estate (επικαρπία) or full title (πλήρη κυριότητα) to property located in Greece is required to file an income tax declaration.
If the taxpayer is a resident of a country other than Greece, he/she must also submit a tax certificate or other proof of foreign tax residency.
A taxpayer who is a foreign resident (irrespective of his/her nationality) and does not earn income in Greece will not be subject to imputed income based on his/her property holdings nor will the taxpayer be subject to tax liability based on his/her worldwide income.

Monitoring Greek tax status on line
For those who are tech savvy and fluent in Greek, it is now possible to monitor their Greek tax status on the following Finance Ministry website: www.gsis.gr
You can register with the site by indicating a username, password and providing certain personal information. In order to activate your registration and access your status, you must obtain a personal code number referred to as a ‘κλειδάριθμος’ (kledarithmos) directly from a Tax Office located in Greece.

*Arsinoi D. Lainioti is an Athens based lawyer.