Guatemala City, by Jenny Herrera (AGN). – For the first time, a government did not impose new taxes. During this year’s accountability presentation, the President of the Republic, Alejandro Giammattei, presented the programs and projects that benefit the Guatemalan people.
One of the most important topics is tax collection. The objective is to achieve sustained tax collection to reduce non-compliance and facilitate taxpayers’ daily tax payments.
Tax collection consists of strengthening the capacities of the government, increasing foreign investment, and achieving more significant employment generation, as long as there is an adequate, modern, and updated legal basis. This topic is firmly established in the country, so creating new taxes has not been necessary.
According to President Giammattei, “Today, three years later, the goal set in 1996 has been achieved, but without new taxes, without fiscal reform, and instead by doing the right thing in terms of collection, avoiding fraud, preventing smuggling, and ensuring taxpayers’ confidence that the money will return in goods and services and better living conditions.”
Tax Collection
He also mentioned that the approval and administrative changes that Superintendence of Tax Administration -SAT- has undergone have been noticeable, resulting in better coordination and collection. In addition, there is a better interaction with the contributors.
SAT has 42,000 new registered taxpayers who have paid more than USD 191.8 million in 2022. That is to increase the tax base, not appeal to new taxes for whoever pays, and prevent those who do not pay.
Improvement
The Superintendence of Tax Administration -SAT- undertakes, with the support of the Government of Guatemala, investments in the modernization of customs and improving the infrastructure.
SAT has developed new programs that bring citizens closer to its services. Today, Guatemalan taxes can be paid anywhere in the world, something that could not be done before. In this manner, President Giammattei reiterates his commitment to keep taxes unalterable for the benefit of Guatemalan citizens.
