Dominican Republic vehicle tax increase sparks controversy

The Dominican Republic's General Directorate of Internal Taxes (DGII) has announced an increase in vehicle circulation tax rates, known as the marbete, for the 2026-2027 period. Under the new regulations, owners of vehicles manufactured up to 2021 will pay 2,000 pesos (approximately 32 USD), an increase of 500 pesos from the previous period. Owners of vehicles manufactured from 2022 onwards will pay 4,000 pesos (approximately 64 USD).

The government justifies the adjustment by noting that rates have remained unchanged since 2016 and that accumulated inflation over the last decade has exceeded 58 percent. The DGII has described the measure as a complementary action to strengthen public revenue in alignment with Law 30-26.

However, the increase has faced criticism from political sectors, including the Dominican Liberation Party (PLD), and various community and labor organizations. Critics argue the tax places an undue burden on households already facing high costs for fuel, electricity, and food. Furthermore, reports indicate that the tax hike is not explicitly contained within any of the 62 articles of Law 30-26, despite claims by Senate President Ricardo de los Santos that the increase was stipulated in the anti-crisis legislation.