The 2025 tax return season is off to a fast start, with 518,420 declarations submitted within the first 10 days of the electronic platform’s launch (March 17–March 26). That’s an average of over 43,000 submissions per day.
This high participation rate highlights how quickly taxpayers are adapting to the new, faster process. Officials estimate that by the end of April, 30% of all tax returns will have been filed, showcasing the efficiency and momentum of the new system.
Key Tax Return Statistics
As of March 26, out of the 518,420 submitted tax returns:
25.44% (131,886 returns) resulted in tax due, with an average payment of €1,129.
24.87% (128,931 returns) were credit returns, with an average refund of €339.
49.69% (257,603 returns) were zero-balance, meaning no tax was owed.
So far, approximately 8% of the total expected returns have been filed, with 75% of taxpayers either receiving a refund or owing nothing—a reassuring sign that most people won’t face an additional tax burden this year.
Major Tax Changes & Benefits for 2024
This year’s filing process includes significant improvements aimed at reducing bureaucracy and enhancing the taxpayer experience.
1. Automatic Tax Returns
- Over 1.5 million salaried employees and retirees will have their tax returns pre-filled.
- If no corrections are needed, their return will be automatically finalized on April 25, 2025.
- If adjustments are necessary, taxpayers can modify their returns until July 15, 2025, without penalties.
2. Flexible Payment Plans & Discounts
Taxpayers can pay their due taxes in eight monthly installments or choose lump-sum payments for discounts:
✔️ 4% discount for filing by April 30, 2025
✔️ 3% discount for filing by June 15, 2025
✔️ 2% discount for filing by July 15, 2025
The first installment is due by July 31, 2025, with subsequent payments due at the end of each following month.
3. Business Tax Relief – No More ‘Business Levy’
Self-employed professionals will no longer have to pay the business levy fee, reducing their overall tax burden.
4. Property Tax Exemptions
- Owners of vacant properties or short-term rental properties may qualify for tax relief.
- The exemption applies to homes up to 120m² that remained unoccupied in 2022–2023 or were used for short-term rentals in 2023.
5. Joint Tax Filing for Married Couples
- Married couples must file a joint return starting from the year of their wedding.
- Couples who married in 2024 will submit a joint return for 2024, while those marrying in 2025 will file separately for the 2024 tax year.
6. Digital Filing for Deceased Taxpayers
- Heirs must file the tax returns of deceased individuals digitally by December 31, 2025.
7. Real-Time Taxpayer Notifications
- Taxpayers enrolled in automatic filing or those who have already submitted their return will receive real-time updates via email and the myAADE platform.
- Notifications will include any changes in pre-filled tax data reported by third-party institutions.
8. Fast-Track Tax Refunds
- Immediate refunds for taxpayers with no outstanding debts.
- Those with pending obligations will have refunds automatically offset against existing liabilities.
A More Efficient & Transparent Tax System
The faster filing process, greater automation, and enhanced digital tools aim to streamline tax compliance and reduce bureaucracy.
With 75% of taxpayers either owing nothing or receiving refunds, this year’s tax season is shaping up to be less financially burdensome for most. These changes mark a significant step toward a more predictable, efficient, and automated tax system.
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