In the first half of this year, the Taxation Agency (DGII) has collected RD$1.08 billion in revenues via tourist card purchases, as airlines comply with a new government regulation. The new charge that mostly affects foreigners and Dominicans living abroad was introduced by Decree 430-17 on 14 December 2017 and requires airlines to charge all purchasing airline tickets abroad the tourist taxes, regardless whether the persons are Dominican or foreign visitors.
While Dominicans can reclaim the US$10 charge at the Taxation Agency office or via Internet, the process takes 10 days, and in reality very few are presenting claims, creating a windfall in foreign exchange for the government.
It has not been established how much has been refunded nor how much of the money collected is from Dominicans. A report from the DGII shows that in April 2018, RD$169.3 million was collected; in May RD$119.1 million and in June RD$195 million.
Many Dominicans have complained about the charge and saying that the reimbursement process, which requires Internet access, is cumbersome. Others say the measure discriminates against Dominicans who live overseas, that are more likely to purchase their airline tickets online or abroad.
Marcos Cadet, DGII spokesman, called on the Dominicans who have paid for the tourist card to seek a reimbursement. He claims the process is simple enough.
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Listin Diario
14 August 2018
