Venezuela's SENIAT implements new tax criteria and digital billing reforms

The National Integrated Customs and Tax Administration Service (SENIAT) has introduced significant tax reforms in Venezuela, aimed at modernizing the fiscal system through digitalization and automation. According to new regulations published in the Official Gazette, more than 87,000 taxpayers previously classified as 'special' will be reclassified as 'ordinary' taxpayers. This measure is intended to support the growth of small and medium-sized merchants, entrepreneurs, and independent professionals by aligning tax categories with actual commercial activity.

Under the new criteria, special taxpayers are defined by specific gross income thresholds relative to the highest-valued currency exchange rate published by the Central Bank of Venezuela (BCV). Specifically, those with annual gross income equal to or exceeding 600,000 times the exchange rate, or those whose service income exceeds 50,000 times the exchange rate over the last three declarations, will be subject to special administration.

Additionally, the reform eliminates the mandatory requirement to use fiscal machines for invoicing, a move described by the National Council of Commerce and Services (Consecomercio) as a major structural change. Businesses can now transition to digital ecosystems, utilizing the SENIAT portal, authorized technological providers, or private digital applications. While fiscal machines remain an option for those who already own them, the change significantly reduces entry barriers and maintenance costs for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).