Greece: Uncertainty Continues over the New Cruising Tax (TEPAI)

Updated by Sue Richards — May 7, 2019
Contributors: Cruising Association – Chris Robb

On 29 March 2019, it was formally announced by the Greek Government that payment of this new tax would be delayed until 2 May. A little later that date was pushed to 9 May to allow the Government time to implement the new tax and establish an online payment system.

Latest Information from Greece:

Just two days away from the May 9th deadline and the CA have received an update from the AADE.

Chris Robb reports; “The AADE has told us that the tax will be going ahead as planned on 9th May and the online system is now live. When asked where this system was, I got no answer – on pressing – I was told there would be an announcement today. I hope to get an email later today with all the information.”

The CA’s Advice:

“We recommend that owners do not register and pay yet, but rather leave it a few weeks as they will not be fined for late payment.”

Important concessions published by the Greek Government at the end of March:

1. Yachts hauled out of the water are automatically deemed “Out of Use” – in their description, “Not in Greek Waters”. There is no need to file you ship’s papers when hauled out. This will remove a significant issue.

Note 1: Yachts “Out of Use” but still in the water, are required to file their ship’s papers with Customs (Transit Log) or Port Police (DEKPA).

Note 2: The corrections to the FAQs which led to the knowledge that ‘hauled out’ is ‘Out of Use’ have not yet been published. This is leading to massive confusion as marinas and port police are saying you have to hand in papers.

2. Initially, you may back pay tax if you “willingly” go and pay it, if you are found to be unpaid – and will, therefore, avoid a fine.

Further Information:

The Greek Press release is here: https://www.aade.gr/polites/etepai
The PDFs to look at are the second of each group in English. Note that they have not as yet been updated with the changes.
See the latest News by the Cruising Association (CA) on the progress of the TEPAI.

Noonsite has not independently verified this information.

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zeev says:

June 19, 2019 at 9:28 PM

Hello,
I am trying for the last two evenings to use the TEPA application.
It fails again and again in the submission phase (after I receive a registration number).
I cannot find any customer support e-mail or any other form of help.
Can someone support?
Thanks,
Zeev

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sue-richards says:

July 10, 2019 at 3:09 PM

Zeev, there is a more recent news item about this with step by step guidance from the CA.
See https://www.noonsite.com/news/greece-find-out-how-to-register-and-pay-the-new-cruising-tax-tepai/

mikeearlhotmail-co-uk says:

May 8, 2019 at 6:57 AM

Professional / Commercial Yachts operating in Greece under the Greek Flag, or a Non-Greek Flag….
A further measure introduced this year is apparently aimed at stopping owners ‘cheating’ by declaring that the boat is being used privately by the owner, when in fact the owner is receiving a charter fee.
This is 24% (Std VAT Rate), of 60% of the average Daily Charter Fee. So for example if the average Daily Charter Fee is €2,000 Euro then the levy (they are calling it VAT!) is €288 Euro per day, or any part of a day. It also would appear to cover sea trials, calibration work at sea etc.
The same paperwork has to be completed as for a charter with a Passenger & Crew list etc and the EESEPA stamped regardless.
If you are a boat owner, with 20 boats all with full-time crews then this makes no difference at all.
But if like me you are an owner of a single 14 metre UK Flagged motor yacht, doing occasional charters to help offset running costs, then this charge is crucifiction, the end!
I am now paying the Greek Government for the privilege of using my own boat! What is he point in owning it?!
So now, not only will I have to pay an unfair TEPAI = 12 metres = €33 Euro pm, but 14 metres, just 17% longer, goes up by 334% to €112 Euro! Now I am also expected to pay almost €300 Euro to take my boat out to run the engines under load, or to just have a swim!
My motor yacht ‘Giulietta II’ is now up for sale and many others will undoubtedly leave Greek Waters Just how will that help Greece’s tax revenue? Maybe one day Greece will finally learn the art of joined up handwriting and actually think something through…. Mike Earl

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mikeearlhotmail-co-uk says:

May 8, 2019 at 6:36 AM

There is even further uncertainty as to where the owners of Commercial / Professional Yachts with non-Greek flags operating in Greece are supposed to pay the TEPAI. To operate Commercially based in Greece you must have a Tax Registration. Some sources say you cannot pay the TEPAI at the Port Police, but at the Tax office. But which Tax Office? Where the company is registered, or where the yacht is?

Secondly Tsipras, the Greek Prime Minister, yesterday announced a series of tax cuts before the European Elections. We wait to see if that has any impact on the TEPAI. Mike Earl

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