By Vangelis Dourakis

Repeatedly “bells” ring it Ministry of National Economy and Finance announcing in every tone that this year for the payment of traffic fees an extension will not be given. For those who will pay them late, the fines increase gradually, depending on the time of payment. However, December 31 is a crucial date for those who want to transfer their vehicle or seek to release it in the new year by paying monthly registration fees.

Be that as it may, and in the first instance, all vehicle owners should know that if they are late in paying their dues, from January 1st they will have to reach deeper into their pockets to cover the fine will be imposed on them.

How late payment penalties are structured

Specifically, in case of late payment, the Independent Public Revenue Authority (AADE) has introduced a new system of fines, which escalates according to the period of delay:

– 25% on the fee if payment is made within January 2025.

– 50% on the fee if the payment is made in February 2025.

– 100% on the fee if payment is made from March 1, 2025 onwards.

The minimum fine is set at 30 euros, regardless of the amount of the fee.

What does this mean practically? If someone has to pay €240 in fees for their vehicle by December 31st, if they are late they will pay the following amounts:

– 300 euros for the period from January 1 to 31

– 390 euros for the period from February 1st until the end of February and

– 480 euros after March 1st

What we must pay attention to in cases of vehicle transfer

Before paying road tax, vehicle owners should still consider the following:

1. Transfer of vehicle: In the event that a vehicle is transferred within 2024, the road tax for 2025 is borne solely by the new owner from 1 January. It is critical that the transfer process is completed on time so that there are no problems.

2. Joint ownership of vehicle: If the vehicle belongs to more than one owner, the road tax is issued in its entirety for each VAT number. All co-owners are jointly responsible for repayment, which requires coordination between them to avoid tensions.

3. Vehicle immobility: The owners of I.X. have the option to immobilize their vehicles, thereby avoiding paying road tax for 2025, as well as the imposition of presumptions of living or luxury living taxes. The immobility declaration must be submitted via the AADE myCar platform by December 31, 2024.

Who is entitled to monthly road tax?

The immovable property declaration process has been greatly simplified, allowing taxpayers to complete it electronically, without the need to present physical documents such as license plates and license plates. Through the “My Requests” platform on the myAADE portal, taxpayers can submit their immovable property request quickly and easily.

The possibility of digital declaration also covers cases such as theft, misappropriation, natural disaster or death of the owner. In these cases, the process is completed without a physical presence at the tax office, further facilitating citizens.

If a vehicle is in circulation while it has been declared immobile, its owner is required to pay a fine of 10,000 euros. In case of recurrence, the fine increases to 30,000 euros, while the driver’s license is also revoked for a period of three years.

Those who deposit their number plates digitally will be entitled to roll it out in the new year by paying monthly registration fees, a process expected to be activated in early 2025.