In a groundbreaking move to combat fiscal fraud, Spain’s Hacienda and Social Security departments are to establish a sharing of information system. The tax office and social security are set to join forces as fiscal fraud is at an all time high.
The move, announced by government this week, was described as ambitious as it aims to father billions of euro over a three year period.
Details were announced by Minister for the Economy Elena Salgado who revealed that joint access would be given to a central database.
The information will be collated by the Agencia Tributaria, Social Security and work inspectors.
In addition to the sharing of information across departments, two way tax agreements will be signed allowing greater exchange of information between Spain and other EU countries. Salgado described the plan as a step towards a Europe wide network in the fight against fraud.
Deputy Prime Minister, Maria Teresa Fernandez de la Vega also said that the process for early detection of fiscal irregularities would be simplified.
The previous campaign by the tax office against fraud (from 2005-2009) collected €35.5bn.