The deadline to qualify for Greece’s 4% tax discount is approaching rapidly. Taxpayers who wish to claim this reduction must submit their income tax return by May 15, 2026 — and then pay the full tax amount in a single lump sum by July 31, 2026. It’s not enough to file on time; the full tax liability must also be settled within the first payment deadline.
Who qualifies?
The discount applies to individuals with a positive tax assessment (i.e., those who owe tax after filing) and who can cover the full amount immediately. For example:
- A €1,000 tax bill is reduced by €40 (4%).
- A €2,500 bill drops by €100.
- A €5,000 bill sees a €200 reduction.
The benefit scales with the final assessed tax amount — the higher the liability, the greater the absolute discount.
Key deadlines to remember
The general deadline for submitting tax returns is July 15, 2026. For taxpayers affiliated with legal entities or businesses using simplified accounting books, the deadline extends to July 31, 2026. However, the May 15 cutoff remains strictly binding for the 4% discount.
What to check before filing
Taxpayers should carefully review pre-filled data before final submission. Particular attention is needed for entries related to salaries, pensions, interest income, loans, electronic receipts, rental income, real estate earnings, and information automatically imported from employers, banks, social security funds, and other reporting entities.
Payment options and trade-offs
Choosing a one-time payment isn’t always the best option. Taxpayers facing liquidity constraints may opt instead to pay in eight monthly installments, with the first due by July 31, 2026. However, doing so forfeits the 4% discount entirely. As a result, many households face a practical choice: immediate savings versus greater payment flexibility.