WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao’s Minister of Finance has expressed serious concern over the growing backlog of unprocessed income tax (IB) declarations, describing the situation as worrying and unacceptable. Despite previous instructions aimed at boosting productivity, recent reports indicate that the workload has not decreased—in fact, it has slightly increased. 

The minister’s concerns are based on a report received on May 14, 2025, from the Tax Inspectorate, which revealed that by the end of March 2025, a total of 2,869 declarations had been processed. Of these, 1,500 were handled manually, and 1,369 were processed through the automated tax application system. However, the figures also show that a significant number of declarations remain pending, highlighting the severity of the backlog. 

In response, the Finance Minister has instructed the leadership of the Tax Inspectorate to conduct a new “aanslagen-run” (tax assessment batch) no later than the end of May, specifically targeting the 2023 and 2024 fiscal years. Additionally, the minister has ordered weekly updates on production progress, which must include a detailed action plan outlining concrete steps to significantly reduce the delays. 

“A timely and correctly executed tax assessment process is essential for maintaining public confidence in the fiscal system and ensuring the financial stability of the country. These delays cannot be allowed to continue,” the minister stated firmly. 

He emphasized that resolving the backlog is a top priority for the Ministry and assured that he will continue to closely monitor the situation as it develops.