Time is running out for owners and managers operating on Airbnb and other short-term rental platforms, as the electronic platform of the Short-Term Rental Registry of Greece’s Independent Authority for Public Revenue (AADE) will “lock” on February 28. Until then, liable parties can review and finalize data related to 2025 rentals and income, which will form the basis for the tax they will be required to pay this year.
The process allows corrections without penalties and without changing the Property Registration Number (AMA). Managers can amend details such as additional income beneficiaries and ownership shares to ensure proper income allocation. Particular attention is required in co-ownership cases, as failure to make the necessary corrections could result in the entire declared income being taxed under a single taxpayer.
Amounts from short-term rentals will appear pre-filled in the E2 tax form. However, they will not be locked, allowing taxpayers to make adjustments before submitting their final tax return.
AADE audits targeting Airbnb and short-term rentals
The rapid growth of the short-term rental market—with annual revenues now estimated to exceed €1 billion—has intensified tax scrutiny. AADE is conducting extensive electronic cross-checks using data submitted by platforms such as Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo.
Inspections focus on identifying properties that are either not registered in the Registry or listed without displaying a valid Property Registration Number (AMA), Special Operating License (ESL), or Unique Notification Number (MAG). In such cases, penalties are particularly strict.
Failure to register in the Registry results in a standalone fine per tax year equal to 50% of gross income, with a minimum of €5,000. If the violation is repeated within one year, the fine is doubled.
Failure to submit or submitting an inaccurate Short-Term Rental Declaration leads to a fine equal to twice the rental amount listed on the platform, while late submissions incur a €100 administrative penalty.
Penalties are imposed on the property manager. If it is not clearly established that the manager is a sub-lessor or third-party operator, liability shifts to the property owner or usufruct holder.
Tax brackets
Income from short-term rentals is taxed separately, with rates reaching up to 45%, depending on annual earnings. Specifically, income up to €12,000 is taxed at 15%, income between €12,001 and €35,000 at 35%, and income above €35,001 at 45%.
As of January 1, 2026, however, a new tax scale for rental income has been introduced, including an intermediate 25% rate for income between €12,001 and €24,000, reducing the tax burden for a significant share of property owners.
The February 28 deadline is a key milestone for those active in the short-term rental market who want to avoid additional taxes and penalties.
