Venezuela's Consecomercio pushes new less‑punitive tax system

The National Council of Commerce and Services (Consecomercio) met with the National Integrated Customs and Tax Administration Service (Seniat) on 21 July 2026 at the tax authority’s headquarters. The discussion, organized by Fedecámaras, included Seniat superintendent Román Maniglia, Fedecámaras leaders Felipe Capozzolo and Tiziana Polesel, Consecomercio president José Gregorio Rodríguez, Conindustria president Tito López and representatives of chambers of commerce, exporters and civil‑society groups.

Consecomercio presented a set of reforms aimed at a “less punitive” fiscal model: automating tax collection, extending the VAT filing deadline from 15 to 30 days, reducing income‑tax withholding rates from 75 % to 50 % or 25 %, abolishing the Large Financial Transaction Tax (IGTF), simplifying administrative procedures and moving toward a fully digital tax system. The council also called for clear rules for free‑port regimes and a harmonised tax framework across municipal, regional and national levels, arguing that these changes would broaden the taxpayer base, formalise the informal economy and stimulate economic growth.

The meeting was described as productive, with Consecomercio expressing optimism that the proposals could translate into reliable actions and a more progressive, less invasive tax collection system.