OPINION

Reducing VAT is not enough

While the VAT reduction in Greece’s food service from 23 percent to 13 percent is a step in the right direction, it will also test the country’s credibility.

Given this significant tax cut announced yesterday by the prime minister, if restaurateurs and other businesses continue to avoid distributing receipts, then not only will the country’s revenues decrease, but such actions will further reinforce the negative stereotypes about Greece that are perpetuated by international media. Greeks will once again be called greedy tax evaders.

It is therefore our duty, as citizens and consumers, to insist on getting a receipt. There is no more room for concessions or exceptions to be made. Whoever does not give a receipt is a tax cheat, and the only way to deal with this is by expressing disapproval and – if need be – reporting it to the authorities. There is no other way.

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