A one-week extension is expected for the 2026 tax return filing deadline, shifting the cutoff date from Wednesday, 15 July to Wednesday, 22 July. According to sources within Greece’s economic policy team cited by newsit.gr, this extension has become the most likely scenario. Despite strong progress in submissions, a significant number of returns remain outstanding—and accounting firms are facing mounting workloads.
No Official Announcement Yet
The decision has not yet been formally announced. Responsibility for adjusting the deadline and publishing official details lies with the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE), Greece’s tax administration body. However, insiders estimate the announcement will come close to the current deadline—allowing officials to assess the final submission trends before confirming the extension.
Strictly Limited Extra Time
The additional time is expected to be strictly limited. The prevailing scenario under consideration does not involve a major postponement into late July or August, but rather a single extra week—intended specifically to allow accounting offices to finalize declarations already prepared but not yet submitted.
Filing Progress So Far
As of 9 July, according to the latest AADE data, 6,001,433 E1 income tax returns had been filed. If this year’s total aligns with recent years—around 6.9 million returns—approximately 898,500 declarations remain outstanding.
Under the original 15 July deadline, completing those would require an average of roughly 150,000 filings per day. With the proposed extension to 22 July, that daily target drops to about 69,000—a meaningful easing of pressure without unduly stretching the tax season.
Breakdown of Filed Returns
Of the 6,001,433 returns submitted so far:
- 2,068,093 (34.46%) are tax liabilities—meaning taxpayers owe money;
- 1,797,429 (29.95%) show a refundable balance;
- 2,135,911 (35.59%) report zero tax liability.
Tax assessments from the liability returns have already reached approximately €3.95 billion, with an average tax burden of around €1,910 per liable filing. Refunds total roughly €557.8 million, resulting in a net collection exceeding €3.39 billion.
Added Pressure From Corporate Filings
In the final days leading up to the deadline, corporate income tax returns—including those of legal entities and other business structures—are also due. The AADE monitors these separately, adding further strain on accounting professionals. For many firms, wrapping up corporate declarations coincides with other pressing tax and financial reporting obligations—reinforcing calls for even a modest deadline extension.
Last-Minute Opportunity
The extension would serve as a final window for taxpayers who have delayed gathering required documents—or who have yet to instruct their accountant to submit their finalized return.