VSB seeks greater legal certainty and business input in reform of Tax Office

Although the organisation supports the modernisation of the tax administration, it warns that the new legislation must not create ambiguities or unnecessary administrative burdens for entrepreneurs.

VSB director Kamlesh Ganesh presented this position on Monday, November 2, 2026, during a meeting of the Commissie van Rapporteurs of De Nationale Assemblée (DNA) (Suriname’s parliament), chaired by Rabindre Parmessar.

The draft Wet Belastingdienst Suriname and the Invoeringswet Algemene Wet Belastingen were central to the meeting. Representatives of the Belastingdienst, trade unions, legal experts and the business sector were given the opportunity to share their views on the planned reform and the transition to a new Belastingautoriteit.

Business sector calls for clear rules and powers

According to the VSB, modernisation of the tax administration is necessary to improve efficiency and professionalism. However, the association stresses that the reforms must take place within a clear legal framework, in which the rights and obligations of taxpayers are adequately safeguarded.

On behalf of the business sector, Ganesh called for particular attention to the proposed organisational structure of the new Belastingautoriteit, the division of powers and the way in which companies are involved in overseeing the organisation.

According to the VSB, the financing model of the new authority and the possible consequences of the legal changes for entrepreneurs also deserve further attention.

Belastingdienst must also provide services

The business organisation believes that a modern tax administration should not focus exclusively on tax collection. Service provision, predictability and legal protection must also be important principles.

According to the VSB, it is important for businesses that tax procedures are clear, transparent and practically feasible. This can limit uncertainties in complying with tax obligations.

In addition, the association urges that possible legal contradictions and ambiguities in the draft bills be removed before the new regulations are definitively adopted.

VSB to submit written recommendations

The VSB has announced that it will further elaborate its legal and implementation-related findings and submit them in writing to the Commissie van Rapporteurs. This will also include concrete recommendations to improve the proposed legislation.

The association states that an efficient and balanced tax system should not only contribute to improved tax collection, but also to a healthy business and investment climate in Suriname.