WILLEMSTAD – The tax department of Curaçao is once again accused of providing preferential treatment and inadequate collection practices for a group of selective taxpayers.

This was the response from the Minister of Finance, Javier Silvania, to questions from Parliament.

According to Silvania, a Soab (government accountant bureau) report indicates that certain taxpayers are unfairly favored. This is done by not actively collecting outstanding taxes, offering unreasonable payment arrangements, and favoring ‘family and friends’ when disbursing tax refunds.

The minister admits that not everyone with a high income pays taxes properly. He emphasizes that only a fraction of luxury assets is seized. According to him, this raises doubts about the effectiveness of the tax collector. “The focus should be on addressing wealthy tax debtors.”

Silvania suggests that the Receiver should do more to collect tax arrears, such as auctioning luxury assets of defaulters. He promises to send the Soab report to the Parliament next month for further discussion.

Tax Collector Alfonso Trona, who has been at the helm of the tax authority for years, could not respond immediately to the minister’s statements. However, he emphasizes that the Collector is audited annually by Soab on various aspects, including the collection guidelines and internal administration.

Bron: Curacao Chronicle