Questions range from Greece�s new E9 Property Tax Filing,to Pension and Greek Education, to opinions�on everything!
CHICAGO, IL, July 6, 2005 � With ���� Town Hall Meetings� already held in fourteen cities, and another seven in the works, V.P. and Regional Coordinator Chris P. Tomaras called this initiative the Region�s most successful vehicle to date for fulfilling one of ��Œs primary Missions: to serve as a two-way conduit for communication between the Hellenes of the Diaspora and the Hellenic Republic. �This series of informal �Town Hall Meetings� began on April 15 in Los Angeles,� said Tomaras. �By the time we finish in September, thousands of our fellow-Hellenes will have had a chance to ask their questions on a variety of issues, and speak their minds on the future of ��Ņand Hellenism in The Americas, for that matter. I hope to make them a regular event for our people in the future.�
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
� Q: What is this �E9� I keep hearing about?
A: �E9� refers to a new Schedule the Hellenic Republic requires to be filed this year with the Income Tax Returns of all those who own real estate in Greece. Even those who live outside Greece, have never filed a Greek Income Tax Return (�E1�), or have no income from Greece, must file an E1 and E9 if they own property.
� Q: What is the deadline for filing an E9?
A: That depends. If you have income from Greece, the deadline was June 2; you can still file, but will pay a late filing penalty. And even if you do NOT have income from Greece, you must still file a �Zero Income� E1 Return, in Greece or online, by July 15. If your E1 is filed by July 15, your E9 may be filed (online only) by Oct. 25 or Nov. 30� depending on your Greek Taxpayer ID number, or ��� (which is different from your Personal ID number issued by Greece).
� Q: Can I file online?
A: Yes, but only if you already have an ���. If you have an ���, and can understand Greek well enough, you can complete both the E1 return and E9 schedule by visiting http://www.taxisnet.gr which is only in Greek. But after July 15, you cannot file the �1 return online.
� Q: And if I don�t have an ��� or can�t file by July 15?
A: You will need to either (a) go to Greece, or (b) have a �Limited Power of Attorney� (�����������) done at your nearest Greek Consulate, authoriz-ing a friend, relative, lawyer or accountant in Greece to request the ���, to file both the E1 return and E9 schedule, and pay any penalties on your behalf.
� Q: I worked 3 years in Greece before leaving. Can I claim a pension from Greece?
A: Yes! If you are already receiving a government pension (Social Security, etc.) in the U.S., Canada, Argentina or several other countries, you are entitled to a small pension for the years worked in Greece, as well as full government health coverage in Greece when there. Those working less than a year can purchase annual health coverage for 8% of their annual pension. Contact IKA at +30-210-674-4824, O�A at +30-210384-0453, or (in U.S.) the SSA Office of International Policy at 1-800-772-1213.
� Q: I filed my Greek pension papers months ago, but haven�t heard anything. Why?
A: Although Greece is embarked on a program to modernize its government bureaucracies, it is not unusual for a year or more to pass before receiving your first pension check. Be patient.
� Q: What about our children�s Greek education?
A: Many expressed their concerns, calling for more support from the Greek government. Our ��� Region has requested more teachers, continuing education for the teachers we have and pensions for our retired teachers. The need for additional Greek Studies chairs at leading universities was also brought up.
� Q: What�s going on with ��� as an organization?
A: Many of our programs, such as the Medical Initiative, are active. Others, such as our Networks and our �Elliniada,� are on hold pending the passage of a new �Enabling Law� by Greece�s Parliament this fall. A major re- structuring of ��Œs operations, membership and activities is expected when it is approved.
Back
|
Search