Luenne Gomez-Pieters, Director of the Aruba Tax Department (DIMP), stated in an interview with Matutino DIARIO that there have been no increases in taxes and clarified that there have been no adjustments made to property taxes (Grondbelasting).
Gomez-Pieters explained that the property tax system is set for a five-year term, where the value is stipulated for this period. “As of 2026, this will be the last year of the current five-year term. In 2027, a new five-year term for property tax collection will begin,” said the Director of DIMP.
She also explained that, for example, if within the five-year period (say, the second or third year), a property owner adds a pool or makes additional improvements to their property, the value of the property will increase, which may result in a higher tax collection for the following year.
She reiterated that a pool is considered an investment that naturally increases the value of the property. This could lead to a higher property value within the period and, consequently, a higher tax assessment.
The Director of DIMP further explained that there is an “aangifteplicht” (declaration obligation), where taxpayers must notify the inspector to carry out an assessment. If this does not happen and the inspector finds additional features, such as a pool, garage, or unreported patio, the tax collection will be adjusted accordingly.
“As I mentioned earlier, we want our taxpayers to be in control of their fiscal matters. We don’t like paying taxes either, but these are the rules of the game. For our country to thrive, we must ensure proper tax revenue. Taxes help fund the government’s ability to invest in infrastructure like roads, health services, pensions, and security, benefiting everyone. So, there is an obligation for property tax declaration. If a taxpayer fails to comply, the inspector will do their job and if they find unreported features, the tax collection will be adjusted,” Director Luenne Gomez-Pieters concluded.
