Brussels, 27/03/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 26 March, the European Commission decided to send Greece to the European Court of Justice because of its inheritance rules for charities in other EU member states of the EU or the European Economic Area; and the exemption from inheritance tax that applies only to the first homes of EU nationals who live in Greece.
Preferential taxation of 0.5% is automatically granted to Greek non-profit-making bodies, but similar bodies from other EU and EEA member states are not eligible for these preferential inheritance tax rates unless Greek non-profit-making bodies gain preferential treatment in the country in question. If not, then they are taxed at between 20% and 40% depending on the value of the inherited property. Greece was sent a reasoned opinion from the Commission about this on 20 November 2013.
On 26 March, Greece was also sent a reasoned opinion about the exemption from inheritance tax for first homes that only applies to EU nationals living in Greece. Greek legislation only allows the exemption for taxpayers living in Greece, most of whom are Greek nationals. It penalises taxpayers who inherit a property in Greece but do not live in the country, who tend to be foreigners or Greek nationals working, studying or living abroad. (Élodie Lamer)