国际英语资讯:Greek FinMin presents new tool to combat tax evasion_时事

国际英语资讯:Greek FinMin presents new tool to combat tax evasion

ATHENS, March 30 (Xinhua) -- Greek Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos presented on Thursday a new tool which will help the Greek state to combat widespread tax evasion.

He also acknowledged the increased strain on the middle class from the tax hikes implemented to address the debt crisis.

An automated application will help tax office inspectors trace tax dodgers by crosschecking within two minutes their tax declarations of past years to bank deposits and other assets, the minister announced in a press briefing.

In cases of major divergence a more thorough investigation into the tax payer's finances will allow the tax office inspectors to have a clearer picture within a week instead of the average 18 months needed so far.

国际英语资讯:Greek FinMin presents new tool to combat tax evasion1

Suspected tax evaders will be then called to provide explanations. Should they not be able to justify their increased wealth in line with their tax declarations, they will face fines.

"This work could have been concluded in the past if previous administrations had the political will and I am saying they did not," Tsakalotos said, expressing the current government's determination to effectively deal with tax evasion.

The official also appeared confident that more tax dodgers will now feel the pressure and will opt to voluntarily disclose their hidden wealth to avoid heavier penalties.

Tax Office inspectors will first use the application focusing on about 1.3 million taxpayers whose names were included in lists of major depositors to foreign banks, such as the famous so-called Lagarde list, general secretary for Public Revenue Yorgos Pitsilis said.