Thursday, August 11, 2022 at the Hotel Montana, Michel Patrick Boisvert the Minister of Economy and Finance (MEF), launched the Consultations for the adoption, for the first time in the history of Haiti, a General Tax Code and a Book of Tax Procedures.

Gathered in a single document with continuous numbering, this draft General Tax Code and the Book of Tax Procedures contain all the legal provisions of a tax nature. This draft Code defines a clearer and more transparent legal and tax framework, aimed at improving the business climate in order to encourage investment, while significantly strengthening the control powers of the General Tax Department (DGI) .

With this Code, the State intends to increase its fiscal resources, by promoting a system favorable to economic operators.

This Code aims to simplify and rationalize the Haitian tax system, by removing redundant and/or inefficient taxes.

Some examples of changes made :

• Income tax (IR) for individuals and legal entities has been simplified and standardized;

• The tax regime for small businesses has been updated;

• A Minimum Flat Rate Tax (IMF) has been introduced;

• The Turnover Tax (TCA) has undergone significant changes, particularly with regard to the rules of territoriality;

• The scope of excise, stamp and registration duties has been streamlined;

  Local taxes have been clarified and the financing of local authorities strengthened.

Aware that taxation is not just the business of the State, and in a transparent and inclusive approach, the MEF deemed it necessary to consult the main organized groups in national life to ensure that the regulatory proposals take into account new socio-economic realities of the country.

The consultation sessions will continue until August 30, 2022. The various groups consulted will submit their comments in writing and at the beginning of September 2022, a plenary feedback session will be organized to validate the final draft.

A period of approximately 24 months, from October 1st, 2022, will still be necessary for effective implementation of the General Tax Code and the Book of Tax Procedures.

HL/ HaitiLibre