What if you are unable to pay?

When will you be granted suspension of payments?

A third expert must issue a declaration to plausibly demonstrate that the situation involves a healthy and viable company that at least meets the following conditions:

• the company has actual payment difficulties;
• the issues are temporary;
• the issues will be resolved before a certain moment.

Examples of a third expert

A third expert may be:

• a certified consultant;
• a certified financier;
• a certified industry organisation;
• a certified (dedicated) accountant.

What requirements does this declaration have to meet?

The declaration must demonstrate the nature of the payment difficulties and the feasibility of resolving the payment arrears in the future. You must demonstrate that the payment difficulties were caused by extraordinary circumstances that are not part of the regular operational risks.

Potential additional conditions may be imposed.

How do you apply for suspension of payments?

If you want to qualify for a payment plan based on the above characteristics, you can submit a substantiated request to the Tax and Customs Administration.

Bonaire: Kralendijk - Kaya L.D. Gerharts 12

Saint Eustatius: Oranjestad - H.M. Queen Beatrixstreet

Saba: The Bottom - Cap. Mathew Levenstone Street

Will you need to pay interest if you are granted suspension of payments?

You must pay collection interest (6%) during the suspension.

When can you do if your request for suspension of payments is refused?

You can file a written objection within 10 days of the rejection. Address you objection to the director of the Tax and Customs Administration and send it to:

Belastingdienst/Caribisch Nederland
Kaya L.D. Gerharts 12
Kralendijk
Bonaire, C.N.

Include the reference of the rejection letter in your objection and indicate why you disagree with it. Once your objection has been received, you will be granted a suspension of payment until a decision has been made. You will receive a decision on your objection within 8 weeks of its submission.

Please note!
Paying later will cost money: you will have to pay collection interest (6%).

Payment difficulties

As an entrepreneur, you will only be granted suspension of payments if you can offer security for the entire tax debt, for example, using:

• a bank guarantee;
• a personal security;
• a mortgage.

If you want to submit a request for suspension of payments, you can use the “Request for payment plan and suspension of payment of taxes and/or company levies” form.