The situation is particularly dire for small business owners who on top of having to deal with the dire economy are being taxed into oblivion. Such a story was recently featured in the New York Times about a journalist whose attempts to create a new business to survive the downturn in her sector was efficiently stamped out by a state that appeared hell-bent on creating obstacles at every turn, including demanding taxes in advance on 50% of ‘anticipated profit’ over the next two years.
 
Now a letter to parliament from a desperate father of two has come to light further illustrating how excessive taxation is strangling the small business owners who have managed to survive 6 years of recession and not yet joined the vast ranks of the unemployed.
 
According to the letter, for taxes and social security obligations alone the man who owns a small graphic design company owner is required to fork over a whopping 70% of his annual income (14,000 euros out of a total income of 20,000).
 
Below is the letter in full (translation by TPPI).
 
Dear Sirs,
 
My name is Ioannis XXX, I am married and I have two children. I have a small graphic design company. Today I submitted my tax return and with an income of 19,225 euros I was ‘confirmed’ as owing 7,625 euros in taxes. Together with social security contributions of 4,800 euros, the ‘haratsi’ [emergency property tax] of 1,500 euros, road tax of 260 euros and local council tax, the total amount that the state wants from me and my family comes to 14,000 euros.
If we also count state utility bills [DEKO] and car insurance then the amount I have to pay comes to 16,240 euros.
I DO NOT have savings. I do not have another source of income. I AM NOT rich. Until now with sacrifices, including even neglecting my health I have managed to meet all of my obligations to the state.
UNTIL NOW… Now I must either become a robber or commit suicide.
There isn’t money.
 
I ASK YOU
 
Can a four member family survive on 2985 euros, to pay for tuition for our children, food, clothes and to operate a small business in a time of crisis? ARE MY CHILDREN NOT WORTH ANYTHING TO GREEK PARLIAMENTARIANS?
 
Thousands of small and medium businesses are in the same position.
Is this is the plan for ‘development’ that you cite with such gravity?
Do I live in a well-governed state which respects and protects its citizens as demanded by the Constitution and all human rights proclamations?
Has the constitution be violated in its entirety?
If yes, then who is protecting me from the attempt to eliminate me?
 
I request a meeting with you.
 
PLEASE respond to me as soon as possible.
 
Respectfully,
 
Ioannis XXX
Ag. Ioannis, Rentis
 
Source: www.jodigraphics.net (in Greek)