We also asked Mahler about SARA, the semi autonomous revenue authority that's taking shape. So far we've heard that the statutory body will be collecting sales, income and business tax, as well as land tax and property tax - even, possibly, stamp duty. It's a huge cast net for all governments revenue. But what about hotel tax? That has long been the exclusive fiefdom of the BTB. But what if that revenue ring-fence would come down? Would the Minister be open to SARA stepping in? We asked him and he seemed decidedly lukewarm:
Jules Vasquez
"We've heard about the tax tentacles of SARA reaching into every realm of public life. Suppose them come and say SARA will start to collect hotel tax."
Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism & Diaspora Relations
"I mean, what I could do?"
Jules Vasquez
"Is there, you know, we're always under pressure from the IDB, IMF, these multilateral to say you need to bring BTB's revenue center into the fence, into the CRF consolidated revenue fence."
Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism & Diaspora Relations
"They will give us back?"
Jules Vasquez
"Yes, that's how they foresee it. Is that a concern you have that, you know, in this overall review of tax administration and strengthening of tax administration."
Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism & Diaspora Relations
"I think there are other eras that they can be a lot more efficient at and that would generate the revenues that government needs to do the work that we do."
Jules Vasquez
"So you would resist SARA coming for hotel tax?"
Anthony Mahler, Minister of Tourism & Diaspora Relations
"Well I would take it to the private sector and have a discussion to the board. But I mean, if we see there are going to be some efficiencies there, then something that we'd have to discuss."
