DNA member Stanley Betterson believes that the Belastingdienst (Tax Administration) deals harshly with small entrepreneurs, while wealthy individuals remain untouched. During a recent meeting of De Nationale Assemblée (Suriname’s parliament), he advocated for a fairer tax system in which everyone meets their tax obligations.
According to Betterson, entrepreneurs who voluntarily register to pay taxes find that they are subsequently assessed disproportionately heavily. “There are a great many complaints about this in society,” he stated.
The parliamentarian pointed to the difference between the treatment of these entrepreneurs and that of people in the gold sector who, according to him, visibly have considerable resources. “People are stripped completely bare, while there are people in the gold sector who drive large vehicles, build large homes, but are not even approached by the Belastingdienst.”
Betterson called the Surinamese tax system too passive. According to him, small entrepreneurs are dealt with firmly, while obstacles are repeatedly cited when it comes to tackling larger players. “When the big bosses have to be dealt with, there is suddenly no information, no vehicle or no experts.”
DNA member Ronny Asabina joined the criticism. He stressed that the tax regime must be reliable and that the Belastingdienst must act with integrity. “We are calling for fair taxation and just tax collection.”
Asabina advocated linking the reform and modernisation of the Belastingdienst to a clear plan. This should set out both the shortcomings and the steps to address them, so that parliament can monitor progress.
“Reforms and modernisations do not proceed flawlessly, but it is good that we know and can also follow the path towards the reforms,” Asabina said.
