KEAO Steps Up: Public Debtors List, Increased Collection Targets, New Tools

The Centre for the Collection of Insurance Arrears (KEAO) is fully operational, enhancing its arsenal with interventions aimed at increasing pressure on debtors. According to General Document 714968/20-05-2025, KEAO plans to publish the names of debtors—both individuals and legal entities—with overdue debts exceeding €150,000 remaining unpaid for over a year by June 30, 2025. This publication aligns with KEAO’s strategic plan outlined in its 2025 operational action plan, which includes increased collection targets, emphasis on managing old debts, and expanding tools to combat tax evasion. Debtors will receive individual notifications on June 5, urging them to settle or arrange their debts within 15 days to avoid electronic exposure via the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) website. KEAO aims to collect €1.82 billion by 2025, up from €1.94 billion last year, surpassing the initial target of €1.65 billion. The total debt owed to KEAO amounts to €49.28 billion, including €32 billion in primary debts and the rest in penalties. During Q4 2024, €15.64 billion in debts went unregulated, representing 31.73% of the total. KEAO is shifting towards an aggressive collection policy with key focuses on debt portfolio management, digitization of procedures, strengthening collection rates, upgrading human resources, and using advanced information tools. The decision to publish names serves as a transparency measure and incentive for compliance. KEAO’s 2025 operational plan also features significant technological innovations, including the ‘KEAO WITHHOLDINGS’ platform that allows notaries to pay all pending debts listed in the Debt Confirmation for property transfers through a single transaction. Additionally, KEAO has suspended electronic services access for 220 employers who failed to submit detailed periodic statements, aiming to pressure strategic offenders.