Greek workers officially hit "Tax Freedom Day" on June 29, meaning they had to work 179 days this year before a single e...

Greek workers officially hit "Tax Freedom Day" on June 29, meaning they had to work 179 days this year before a single euro went into their own pockets. Everything earned from January 1 through yesterday went straight to taxes and social security contributions. Greece ranks among the highest tax burden countries in the European Union, according to a study by the Centre for Liberal Studies (KEFIM). The country still sits above the EU average for total tax load, and state revenues continue to depend heavily on indirect taxation, particularly VAT. The slight improvement this year is barely worth celebrating. Since 2019, the tax burden has dropped by just two days total, going from 181 days to 179. That is seven years of fiscal policy producing a two-day improvement. KEFIM president Nikos Rombalas said the one-day shift earlier is a positive but marginal development, noting that Greeks are still working nearly half the year to cover taxes and social insurance. He added that cracking down on tax evasion has been a real success, but the extra revenue it generates should be used to cut tax rates for compliant taxpayers, not just fill budget gaps. Rombalas also called for a simpler, more stable, and more competitive tax system that relies less on consumption taxes. He specifically highlighted the need to index tax brackets to inflation so that workers do not end up paying more simply because prices have risen. #Greece #Taxes #Economy