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Tax Authority to Administer Refunds on Excess Healthcare Contributions Over €180,000

Overview Of The New Refund Process

The Health Insurance Organization (OAY) has announced that any contributions exceeding €180,000 paid into the General Healthcare System Fund (ΓΕΣΥ) for contribution years commencing on or after January 1, 2025 will be refunded directly by the Tax Office, in accordance with the Tax Confirmation and Collection Law. This marks a significant shift in the administrative process, transferring responsibility from OAY to the Tax Office for these specific cases.

Refund Procedures And Guidelines

For contributions pertaining to the year that ends on or before December 31, 2024, the refund process will continue to be handled by OAY based on the existing decisions on refunds for amounts exceeding the maximum contributions.

Extended Submission Period Under Revised Regulations

The announcement further clarifies that, in light of the amendments detailed in the 2025 decisions published in the Official Gazette on September 5, 2025, the deadline for submitting refund requests to OAY has been extended. Specifically, each refund claim must now be submitted within six years after the conclusion of the contribution year in question.

Accessing The New Refund Form

Interested parties seeking to file a refund claim for contributions exceeding €180,000 can obtain the new form directly from the OAY website under the GEΣΥ/Financial and General Accounting section. Detailed instructions and a direct hyperlink are provided for ease of access.

Implications For Contributors

This regulatory update streamlines the refund process and reinforces a robust oversight mechanism in line with current fiscal policies. Organizations and individuals alike should note these changes to ensure compliance and timely submission of claims, thereby avoiding any potential administrative delays.

Cyprus Fuel Prices Expected To Rise As Oil Prices Increase

International Oil Market Dynamics

Fuel prices in Cyprus are expected to rise gradually in the coming weeks as international crude oil prices continue to increase. Recent reports show that heavy crude prices moved from about $93 per barrel to a peak of $117 before settling near $107, reflecting continued volatility in global energy markets.

Projected Retail Impact And Stage-Wise Price Adjustments

Sabbas Prokopiou, president of the Pan-Cypriot Fuel Stations Owners Association, said these international price movements are expected to gradually affect retail fuel prices in Cyprus. A recent increase of around two cents per litre has already been recorded. Additional price adjustments may follow in the coming weeks as international fuel costs pass through the supply chain and reach the retail market.

Geopolitical Tensions And Market Reactions

Geopolitical developments have also contributed to recent price movements. Concerns about potential regional conflict initially pushed crude prices higher. In a single trading session, prices reportedly rose by about $10 per barrel. More recently, attacks targeting oil storage facilities have added further pressure to international crude markets.

Strategic Outlook And Industry Insights

Prokopiou said further increases in fuel prices remain possible depending on developments in international oil markets. However, he noted that estimating the scale of retail price adjustments remains difficult during periods of geopolitical uncertainty. Similar market patterns were observed in 2022 following the start of the Russia-Ukraine war, when international crude prices rose sharply.

Market participants, including fuel importers and the Consumer Protection Service of the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry, continue to monitor developments in international energy markets.

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