“Because it is a separate, premium service”
In the day-to-day running of a business, accounting services are often treated as a single activity. In reality, however, there is a substantive distinction between ordinary accounting monitoring and the management of a tax audit.
Bookkeeping, VAT returns and other obligations form part of the regular accounting function of a company. However, when a business seeks a VAT refund or is selected for audit by the tax authorities, the process changes level. At that point, we are no longer talking about simple accounting work but about audit management.
In such a case, the role of the adviser becomes one of support for the tax audit. File preparation is required, detailed checking of documents, substantiation of transactions, communication with the audit authority and, often, repeated provision of information until the process is completed. The extent of this work cannot be known in advance, as it depends exclusively on what the tax authorities will request.
For this reason, both internationally and in the Greek market, support for tax audits is treated as a distinct professional service. It is a high-responsibility service, requiring experience, time and careful management of the risk for the business.
It is therefore absolutely clear that such work does not fall within the scope of regular accounting fees. These are premium services, with separate pricing, which is determined by the extent of the audit, the time required and the seriousness of the case.
Beyond the immediate handling of a procedure, the proper management of an audit creates significant value for the business. The successful completion of audits and VAT refunds strengthens the company’s tax profile, increases its creditworthiness and creates a history of audited periods. This is a significant advantage for financing, partnerships or even future corporate transactions.
In simple terms, a tax audit is not a routine office procedure. It is a demanding professional service that protects the business and ensures its proper relationship with the tax authorities. And like any highly specialised service, it is valued according to the value and responsibility it carries.
Founder and CFO at AFS
