2024-09-23 14:07:26
Although a higher amount was expected in the declarations of individuals, external factors have influenced the low collection. The main problem lies in tax evasion.
The collection of personal income tax in Colombia is below the expectations of the National Government, as confirmed by the National Tax and Customs Directorate (DIAN). To date, nearly 3 billion pesos have been collected, a figure that represents a lag compared to the Government’s initial projection, which estimated a higher collection in this area.
The director of the DIAN, Luis Carlos Villabona, reported that so far more than three and a half million income tax returns have been filed by individuals, generating an approximate collection of $3 billion. “We expected the balance to be a little higher,” said Villabona, while acknowledging that the figures to date do not align with the initial projections.
This year’s goal
The overall revenue collection target for the entire year 2024 amounts to $279.4 billion, of which $25 billion is expected to come from personal income tax. Of this total, it is estimated that $7 billion will come from actual revenue collection once all the corresponding returns are filed.
Villabona explained that, although a higher amount was expected in the declarations of natural persons, other external factors have influenced the low collection. However, he stressed that the main problem lies in tax evasion, a scourge that continues to affect the State’s ability to meet its tax goals.
“The problem with tax collection arose from other factors, not so much related to individuals,” the official clarified, pointing out that tax evasion remains a central challenge. In this regard, Villabona insisted on the need for a structural reform that implements more severe sanctions for those who avoid paying their tax obligations.
Tougher penalties for tax evaders
One of the proposals put forward by the DIAN director is to toughen the penalties against evasion, suggesting that prison be considered for those who commit this crime. Currently, in Colombia, if a person manages to pay the taxes owed, he or she avoids being imprisoned, which, according to Villabona, weakens the penalization system and encourages evasion.
“Future structural reforms need to include a measure to send people who evade taxes directly to jail. That doesn’t happen in Colombia, since if someone pays, they don’t face criminal consequences,” Villabona added.
With these measures, the Government hopes to strengthen the tax system and ensure that the country can meet the established fiscal goals, more effectively combating tax evasion and increasing the levels of collection necessary for the country’s economic development.