El Caribe newspaper reports that April results are good for the government. According to the Direccion General de Impuestos Internos, the government tax department, April revenues were 17% more than budgeted. April tax collections were RD$3,095.11 million, up from the RD$2,265.17 million of April 2000. The highest increase in taxes comes from the ITBIS collections that went up 46.28% (the tax itself was increased in January 50%, from 8 to 12%, and the base was expanded to include more items.) Taxes on alcohols and beers produced 13.31% more income for the government and manufactured tobacco sales brought in 139% more revenues. Income tax increased to RD$1,785.97, up from RD$1,275 in 2000. This reflects the implementation of the 1.5% tax on gross sales.
