WILLEMSTAD - In the months of June, July and August, more taxes were collected than had been budgeted for 2021.
Finance Minister Javier Silvania has ensured that the overdue tax receivables were collected through various measures. The budget of the Tax Accountant Bureau (SBAB) was generous, which meant that more employees were hired. They helped with inspections at companies to pay sales tax (OB). The goal is to make the collection more efficient. To receive arrears at an accelerated rate, discounts have been given on tax debts to be paid. A controversial measure that seems to have had an effect.
The increase in tourism has also resulted in an increase in tax revenues. The government received 36.8 million guilders in July and 38.8 million in sales tax in August, although 30.1 million had been budgeted.
Furthermore, more wage tax is paid, because there is more employment. In the budget in July 30.7 million was budgeted, but this came to 38 million. July was also a favorable month for the amount of income tax that came in. 6.2 million was budgeted, but this eventually became 10.7 million.
The regular service is currently closing at a deficit of 721.4 million annually, reports the Ministry's Financial Management Report (FMR). This year, it is assumed that tax revenues will amount to 1,167 million. In 2022, an average of 97 million in taxes must be collected each month to avoid a higher deficit.