The Independent Authority for Public Revenue has launched extensive audits on income from short-term rentals through platforms such as Airbnb, Booking.com and Vrbosending notifications to thousands of taxpayers regarding inaccurate or undeclared tax returns from previous years.
Electronic cross-checks carried out by AADE using data submitted directly by short-term rental platforms revealed significant discrepancies in declared amounts, leading many property owners to submit amended tax returns.
Why AADE Is Sending Notifications for Airbnb and Booking Income
According to the Independent Authority for Public Revenue, many taxpayers declared lower income amounts than those actually received through Airbnb and other short-term rental platforms.
The most common issue was that property owners reported the net amount deposited into their bank accounts after platform commissions had been deducted.
However, under Greek tax legislation, taxable income from short-term rentals is considered to be the total amount paid by the guest before any Airbnb or Booking commission fees are withheld.
How Income from Short-Term Rentals Is Taxed
For short-term rentals without additional services such as breakfast, transportation, or daily cleaning, the income is taxed as income from real estate property.
This means that:
- platform commissions and expenses are not deductible
- Airbnb and Booking fees cannot be deducted
- taxation applies to the full booking amount
Rental platforms now provide AADE with detailed information including:
- total rental amount
- Property Registration Number (AMA)
- property details
- rental duration
- reservation details
AADE cross-checks this information with the taxpayer’s E1 and E2 tax forms as well as the Short-Term Rental Registry.
What Taxpayers Should Do If They Received a Notification?
Taxpayers who received a notification regarding Airbnb or Booking income are required to submit an amended tax return for the years in which discrepancies were identified.
If taxpayers believe the amounts they declared are correct, they must provide supporting documentation within the deadline stated in the AADE notification.
Failure to comply or provide sufficient documentation may result in a formal tax audit.
Stricter Controls on Airbnb and Undeclared Rental Income
The Independent Authority for Public Revenue is intensifying electronic audits on short-term rentals by using data received directly from digital rental platforms.
The objective is to identify undeclared Airbnb income, combat tax evasion, and ensure full tax compliance for property owners operating in the short-term rental market.
Need Help with Airbnb Tax Declarations or Amended Returns?
The AFS team supports individuals and professionals who rent properties through Airbnb and other short-term rental platforms.
If you received a notification from AADE or need assistance with:
- amended tax returns
- Airbnb income declarations
- short-term rental taxation
- E1 and E2 tax forms
- AADE tax audits and discrepancies
- property tax compliance
contact AFS through the contact form for immediate guidance and professional support.
