The province of Holguín, in eastern cuba, is in the center of attention due to high tax evasion and the notable indebtedness of its taxpayers.
According to Jorge Félix Pérez Marrero,the Castro provincial director of the National Tax Administration Office (Onat),a total of 1,300 Holguín citizens cannot leave the country due to tax debts,a figure that contrasts notably with the 200 reported in Sancti Spíritus.
The numbers are worrying: 97% of the 314 small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) audited failed to comply with their tax obligations, accumulating 50.3 million pesos in debt.
Similarly, self-employed workers owe 31.5 million, a problem that affects more than 97% of those inspected.
These levels of non-compliance, which involve both large importers and small business owners, add up to a provincial fiscal deficit of more than 2.6 billion pesos.
Among the measures implemented to increase collection, the elimination of tax exemptions for newly created MSMEs and the strengthening of inspections stand out.
As August, private companies must pay taxes on personal and commercial income from the first year of operations.
Despite this, Onat detects practices such as underdeclaration of income and companies that declare losses during inspections, which is investigated as a possible evasion attempt.
More than 100 fines, equivalent to 615,900 pesos, were imposed after detecting irregularities in tax bank accounts, while 150 taxpayers have faced preventive seizures for debts. In more serious cases, penalties can include prison sentences of up to 15 years.
Pérez Marrero assures that tax collection is crucial not only to finance social expenses, but also to combat impunity. However, structural challenges and discontent among Cubans persist, such as distrust in institutions and the perception that public resources are not managed transparently.
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What are the main strategies being implemented by the National Tax Management in Holguín to combat tax evasion?
Time.news editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we are diving into a pressing issue that has caught the attention of both policymakers and citizens alike—the tax evasion crisis in Holguín, Cuba. With us is Jorge Félix Pérez Marrero, the Castro provincial director of the National Tax Administration. Jorge, thank you for joining us.
Jorge Félix Pérez Marrero: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss such an vital topic.
Time.news Editor: Holguín has been highlighted for it’s significant tax evasion and the heavy indebtedness of its taxpayers. Can you elaborate on what factors have contributed to this situation?
Jorge Félix Pérez Marrero: Absolutely. Several factors are at play here. Firstly, there is the economic landscape of the region. Manny individuals and small businesses are struggling to make ends meet,which makes it tempting to evade taxes as a means of securing survival. Additionally, there’s a lack of awareness regarding the importance of tax compliance and how it benefits the community as a whole.
Time.news Editor: That makes sense. It’s a complex issue. Are there specific demographics or sectors where tax evasion is notably high in Holguín?
jorge Félix Pérez Marrero: Yes, we see especially high rates of evasion in the informal sector, which includes many small vendors and service providers. These individuals often see taxes as an additional burden rather than a contribution to their community’s welfare. Furthermore, younger entrepreneurs are sometimes unaware of their obligations due to limited educational resources.
Time.news Editor: How is the National Tax administration addressing these challenges? Are there any initiatives in place to encourage compliance and support taxpayers?
Jorge Félix Pérez Marrero: We are implementing several strategies.Education campaigns are critical; we’re focusing on informing taxpayers about their responsibilities and the positive impacts of tax revenues on social services. Additionally, we are improving our outreach, making it easier for taxpayers to understand how they can fulfill their obligations and access available support services.
Time.news Editor: It’s great to hear about those proactive steps.With the current state of indebtedness among taxpayers, what kind of assistance is available for those struggling to meet their tax obligations?
Jorge Félix Pérez Marrero: We recognize that indebtedness can be overwhelming. Our administration has established payment plans and deferral options for individuals and businesses facing hardships.We also encourage the use of tax consultations, where professionals can help tailor solutions for specific situations.
time.news Editor: Speaking of solutions, what role does community engagement play in helping to reduce tax evasion and foster a culture of compliance in Holguín?
Jorge Félix Pérez marrero: Community engagement is vital. We are establishing partnerships with local organizations and community leaders to foster dialog around the importance of taxation. By involving the community in these discussions, we aim to build trust and accountability, which we believe will encourage more individuals to comply.
Time.news Editor: it sounds like a collaborative approach is key to turning the situation around. Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future of tax compliance in Holguín?
Jorge Félix Pérez Marrero: My hope is to cultivate a culture where tax compliance is viewed as a civic duty rather than an obligation. If we can achieve a better understanding of the positive impact of taxes on our community, I believe we can significantly reduce evasion and help our province thrive.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Jorge, for your insights and the work you’re doing in Holguín.It’s clear that addressing these issues will require continued effort and collaboration. We appreciate your time today!
Jorge Félix Pérez Marrero: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing this with you. Together, we can make a difference.