The Legal State Council’s majority approval that allows home investigations in cases of tax evasion was no easy task, as it conflicts with article 9 of the Constitution, which provides the inviolability of home and of private life.
It is no coincidence that the Supreme Court Assembly will have the final say in the measure and will decide whether the goal of combating tax evasion is enough to circumvent the constitutional provision of the inviolability of the home.
Beyond the high court’s legal interpretation though, there is a greater issue at hand regarding the choice of tax measures and actions adopted to reveal cases of tax evasion and to collect taxes.
Much more so when such measures are being implemented in an overtaxed country such as Greece.
The Ministry of Finances recently admitted making mistakes and being unfair regarding the newly-imposed ENFIA real estate property which has angered taxpayers through and through.
As we have stated before, taxation is a policy tool which cannot be abused, as it will have the opposite effect than expected.
There is a thin line beyond which taxation and accompanying measures become unbearable and oppressive. It is commonly held that we have long passed that mark. Anything beyond that can light the fuse for social and political explosions. The home investigations may be that spark that ignites the fire. That is why tax authorities should think and rethink before they act. Especially in financial and social circumstances as such…
TO VIMA
