MEF ensures that tax reforms improve fairness

The country has implemented a series of tax reforms to improve fairness and efficiency of the tax systemto increase tax revenues, said Revenue Director Publio De Gracia.

The official’s statements were made in a debate organized by the National Commission for Macroeconomics and Finance, which he led with members Panama Association of Business Executives (APEDE).

Bearing in mind that the taxpayer must come first and, despite the restrictions resulting from the state of emergency in the country, tax administration has transformed its services into this new digital era while maintaining customer service and collection channels.

De Gracia stated that, taking into account taxpayers, the digital transformation of the General Administration of Revenue has begun.

He added: “Our online tax system, known as e-Tax 2.0, had 60 online procedures at the beginning of 2020, and currently 160 procedures are active, of which we highlight: Paz y Salvo, RUC application, Affidavit of acceptance of electronic invoicethe new form of income for the Panama Pacific sector, as well as its incorporation, touch on security for certified public accountants”.

He emphasized that the implementations enable us to meet the Government’s goals of efficient and effective collection. Which is shown by the results at the preliminary closing in 2022, both in cash and in tax documentsof USD 5.8 billion, which is in line with the estimated 2022 budget at 100% and compared to 2021, reflects an increase of 28% thanks to implemented operational and digital initiatives.

As a relief measure taxpayer compliance and to help him pay his taxes, a new office of the Provincial Administration of Panama, on Via España, has been made available, where all the procedures related to the care of taxpayers are carried out.

De Gracia emphasized that all procedures related to a specific department will be handled in Central Services Building located on Balboa Avenue.