Tax Authority Generates €29.9 Million In Revenue From High-Risk Audits Amid VAT And Tax Gaps

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 17, 2025

The Department of Taxation has reported an impressive revenue of €29.9 million over the last two years following audits on high-risk companies, as detailed by Assistant Tax Officer Christos Karoullas before the Parliamentary Oversight Committee. The department, in alignment with recommendations from the Audit Service and supported by a recent circular issued by the new Tax Commissioner Sotiris Markidis, has restructured its approach.

Strategic Unit Deployments And Revenue Outcomes

The reforms have led to the establishment of two crucial units. The Tax Declaration Evaluation Unit implements a novel risk detection system, while the Pan-Cyprus VAT Audit Unit focuses on indirect taxation surveillance. Their combined efforts have yielded significant financial returns: €14.3 million from the initial unit and €15.6 million from on-site VAT inspections.

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Enhanced Monitoring In Hospitality And Real Estate

General Auditor Andreas Papakostantinou outlined that the audits of hospitality entities in Mackenzie, Larnaca, were prompted by discussions regarding the utilization of immovable properties. He emphasized that while the Audit Service’s recommendations are robust, they serve as a springboard for further enhanced oversight rather than a criticism.

Tightening VAT Controls And Event Taxation

Audit Service Officer Maria Pavlou highlighted significant shortcomings in VAT management, noting that reduced rates were applied in circumstances that did not meet the necessary criteria. Furthermore, she pointed to issues in the taxation of artistic events, revealing instances of undeclared concerts and inadequate tax administration.

Innovative Measures And Future Projections

In response, Karoullas announced the creation of a Pan-Cyprus register for artistic events, with approximately 200 events selected for audit in 2025. Larnaca Municipality Treasurer Alexandros Anastasios explained that many events are never formally registered at the municipal level, compounding licensing and supervisory challenges. Additionally, Deputy Director of the Ministry of Tourism, Kostas Konstantinou, confirmed that the unique property issues in Mackenzie will be addressed with a new contractual framework, while forthcoming legislation for hospitality spaces is set to intensify control.

Commitment To Rigorous Oversight And Reform

Committee on Oversight Chairman Zacharias Koulias commended the Taxation Department for its organized and effective work, suggesting that paying taxes should be considered a civic duty—potentially rewarded with incentives for compliant companies. AKEL Member of Parliament Irini Charalambidou also praised the specialized audit units for their efficiency and revenue contributions, advocating for immediate recruitment to fill 100 vacant positions and stressing the importance of a fiscal reform to eradicate tax evasion in nightlife and cash-paid artist engagements.

Through these strategic initiatives and a renewed focus on compliance, the Taxation Department is not only reinforcing regulatory oversight but also establishing a precedent for effective tax administration across the region.

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Navigating Persistent Pressures: Labour Shortages, Bureaucracy, And Payment Delays In Limassol

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

December 19, 2025

Labour Shortages Challenge Expansion

Recent data from the Limassol Chamber Of Commerce And Industry underscores the enduring pressure within Limassol’s business community. Rather than indicating a sudden economic downturn, the survey reveals a gradual intensification of challenges that have long been a concern for local enterprises.

Skilled Labour In Short Supply

At the forefront is a chronic shortage of skilled labour, which accounts for 22.5% of the responses. Companies across a diverse range of sectors—from engineering and technical services to professional driving and specialized sales—are grappling with vacancies that remain open for extended periods. The persistent demand for critical skills forces many firms to overextend their existing workforce or postpone strategic projects. While recruiting talent from abroad is increasingly seen as a necessity, the process is often hampered by procedural delays, strict regulatory constraints, and rising employment costs.

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Administrative Complexities And Public Sector Frustration

In addition to labour challenges, businesses express deep frustration with public-sector inefficiencies. Slow administrative procedures, fragmented communication, and a lack of clear guidance have rendered government support only marginally effective. With more than half of respondents regarding public services as minimally helpful, the inefficiencies highlight a system that frequently delays critical decisions and complicates routine business processes.

Deteriorating Payment Discipline

The survey also highlights a significant decline in payment discipline, with difficulties in collecting debts now ranking third among business concerns at 11.8%. Late payments are intensifying cash-flow pressures, extending through supply chains and further straining liquidity. Added to this is a sluggish justice system, where prolonged court delays have left companies financially exposed, often shouldering the burden of non-compliant customers while legal remedies lag behind.

Cost Pressures And Cautious Investment

Rising labour costs, intense domestic competition, and the pressure of lower-cost international markets — particularly in Asia — are driving firms to reconsider their investment priorities. Although nearly 60% of businesses intend to hire in the near term, investment plans in infrastructure, technology, and renewable energy are markedly selective. Overall sentiment remains cautious, with two-thirds of respondents expecting sales to stay level, both domestically and in overseas markets.

Calls For Policy Reforms And Digital Transformation

In an environment strained by excessive bureaucracy and inconsistent policy, businesses advocate for decisive governmental action. Respondents have pointed to the need for reduced business taxation, streamlined administrative processes, and more responsive public services. Furthermore, investment in digital transformation, artificial intelligence tools, and enhanced collaboration with academic and research institutions are seen as critical to boosting competitiveness and fostering innovation.

Conclusion: A Need For Strategic Reforms

The autumn 2025 barometer paints a picture of a resilient business community operating under increasing strain. With entrenched labour shortages, administrative inefficiencies, and deteriorating payment discipline, there is a clear call for targeted reforms. Addressing these structural challenges will be essential for ensuring that Limassol’s businesses not only sustain their current operations but also position themselves for future growth in an increasingly competitive global landscape.

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