Venezuela Calls for Special Tax Regime to Facilitate Earthquake Aid Donations

A devastating double earthquake on June 24 caused more than 4,500 deaths, 16,740 injuries and over 20,000 people displaced in Venezuela. Tax specialist Héctor Orochena urged the government to issue a temporary decree creating a "very special regime for donations" that would lower the Income Tax (ISLR) on both the donations and the donors, and exempt NGOs from the usual succession and donation law. He said the current tax rules create an "extremely cumbersome administrative filter" and that a transitory regime would simplify the flow of aid.

Critics have reiterated longstanding concerns about the handling of humanitarian assistance in the country. They cite the 1999 Vargas landslide and the recent earthquake as examples of alleged mismanagement, lack of transparent accounting and instances of looting of aid supplies. Accusations include the sale of free water bags and inadequate response from the armed forces. The commentary highlights a broader demand for accountability and transparent distribution of international aid to the affected regions.