On 17 March 2020, the Decree No.18 was published in the Official Gazette and entered into force immediately. The Decree introduces several measures in response to COVID-19 outbreak. The key measures are following:

  • Payments of taxes and social security contributions extended to 20 March 2020 from 16 March 2020.
  • Tax returns filings deadline during the period between 8 March 2020 and 31 May 2020 are extended to 30 June 2020 without penalties.
  • Enterprises with turnover below €2, payments of VAT, withholding taxes (WHT) and social security contributions are extended to 31 May 2020 in full, or in 5 equal installments starting from May 2020 without penalties and interest (generally due between 8 March to 31 May 2020).
  • Enterprises of tourism, sport, entertainment, art, culture, education, transport, food and non-profit sector’s VAT and WHT payment are due by 31 May 2020 in full, or in 5 equal installments starting from May 2020 without penalties and interest.
  • The payment of the Gaming Tax extended from 30 April 2020 to 29 May 2020. The payment can be made in equal monthly installments with daily interest starting from 29 May 2020 and ending installment by 18 December 2020.
  • Tax audits, tax assessments, tax collection and tax litigation are suspended from 8 March 2020 to 31 May 2020.
  • The ordinary statute of limitations for FY 2015 is extended by 2 years, as a result tax authorities will be able to audit until 31 December 2022.
  • Tax court hearings, appeals and other procedures are suspended until 15 April 2020.
  • The Decree provides a tax credit for FY 2020 equal to 50% of the expenses sustained by enterprises for the sanitation of workspaces and work instruments. Each taxpayer can claim a maximum credit of €20,000.
  • The Decree provides for a tax credit equal to 60% of the rental fee paid in March 2020 for retail spaces.
  • A tax credit equal to 30% of the incremental advertising expenses made in FY 2020 via press, television and radio broadcast is introduced.
  • Enterprises are allowed to deduct donations and donation made by individuals and by non-commercial entities can be offset against the income tax due for an amount equal to 30% of the relevant expense up to €30,000.