WILLEMSTAD - Commencing on Monday, January 8, vehicle owners in Curaçao can fulfill their 2024 car tax obligations, as reported by the Tax Authority. Notably, the tax rates have remained unaltered.
After making the necessary payments, individuals can retrieve their motor vehicle tax control stickers at the branches of the General Savings and Credit Cooperative (ACU) and Cpost International.
For vehicles manufactured in 2015 or earlier, the fee stands at 145 guilders for a six-month period or 271 guilders for the entire year. Conversely, for newer models from the year 2016 onward, the rates are 206.50 guilders for six months and 394 guilders for the full year.
Diesel vehicle owners, accustomed to higher fees, face a cost of 585.50 guilders for half a year and 1152 guilders for the entire year, irrespective of the manufacturing year.
Discounted rates are applicable for taxis, buses, and vehicles granted exemptions, such as those used for school transportation. However, heavier vehicles, including trucks, are subject to higher rates.
Individuals opting for a six-month payment will receive a green sticker for placement behind the windshield, while those opting for an annual payment will be issued a wine-red sticker.
Change on the Horizon
The existing collection system is expected to persist for an additional two years. This insight was purportedly shared by Charles Cooper, the Minister of Traffic, Transportation, and Spatial Planning.
Various potential adjustments have been under consideration, ranging from incorporating motor vehicle tax into fuel prices to factoring in vehicle weight and luxury, alongside the year of manufacture and fuel type, when determining tax amounts.
Although the revenue generated from motor vehicle tax is intended for infrastructure investments, Cooper notes a shift since 2013, with funds redirected to patch road surface gaps and address budget deficits. Despite these considerations, motor vehicle tax revenue continues to contribute to the government's general funds.