Tax Registration in Suriname

Purpose

Guide businesses through tax registration in Suriname, from obtaining a Fiscaal Identificatie Nummer (FIN) to understanding ongoing tax obligations. For founders, accountants, and advisors setting up compliant tax structures.

What this page covers:

FIN (Tax Identification Number) registration requirements
BTW (Value-Added Tax) registration thresholds and obligations
Payroll tax setup for employers
Filing and compliance timelines

Who this is for:

Business owners registering newly formed entities
Accountants preparing tax registrations
Foreign investors understanding Suriname tax obligations
Advisors coordinating post-formation compliance

Context & Assumptions

Regional scope: Suriname tax registration system.

Terminology: In Suriname, TIN is called FIN (Fiscaal Identificatie Nummer) and VAT is called BTW (Belasting Toegevoegde Waarde). This guide uses local terminology.

Applies to: All commercial structures (Eenmanszaak, partnerships, BV/NV, foundations with business activity) and individuals conducting business.

Prerequisites: KKF registration must be complete before tax authority accepts FIN applications.

Core Guidance

What is FIN (Fiscaal Identificatie Nummer)?

A unique identifier assigned by the Suriname Belastingdienst (Tax Authority) to individuals and businesses for tax administration. Every business requires a FIN to:

File tax returns and declarations
Open business bank accounts
Issue invoices and conduct transactions
Employ staff and withhold payroll taxes
Comply with audit and reporting requirements

FIN structure: Typically 9-digit number, sometimes with prefix codes for entity type (e.g., BV-123456789 for corporations).

When to register for FIN

Immediately after KKF registration:

Tax authority requires KKF certificate and registration number.
Most businesses should register within 1-2 weeks of KKF approval.
Delays in FIN registration prevent banking, invoicing, and operations.

Before starting operations:

Banks require FIN to open business accounts.
Customers/clients need FIN for proper invoicing.
Employees cannot be formally hired without employer FIN.

FIN registration process

Step 1: Prepare documentation

KKF registration certificate and extract
Personal identification (ID or passport)
Business address proof (lease, utility bill, title deed)
Articles of incorporation or partnership agreement
Authorized signatory documentation

Step 2: Visit Belastingdienst office

Main Office: Henck Arronstraat 26-30, Paramaribo
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Bring complete documentation packet
Submit FIN application form (available on-site or online)

Step 3: Processing and issuance

Simple structures: 3-5 business days
Complex structures or foreign ownership: 10-15 business days
Receive FIN certificate upon approval
Number activated immediately for use

Cost: SRD 50-200 depending on structure complexity.

BTW (Belasting Toegevoegde Waarde) registration

Mandatory BTW registration when:

Annual turnover exceeds SRD 150,000
Importing goods for commercial purposes
Providing certain specified services

Voluntary registration:

Businesses below threshold can register voluntarily to reclaim input BTW.
Common for B2B businesses with high input costs.

BTW obligations:

Monthly BTW returns (due 15th of following month)
Detailed transaction records and BTW invoices
Compliance audits by tax authority
Penalties for late filing or incorrect reporting

BTW rates in Suriname:

Standard rate: Varies (confirm current rate with Belastingdienst)
Reduced rates for certain goods/services
Zero-rated exports and international services

Payroll tax registration

Required when hiring employees:

Register as employer with Belastingdienst.
Withhold income tax from employee salaries.
Remit payroll taxes monthly (due 15th of following month).
Provide annual employee income statements.

Payroll obligations:

Calculate and withhold correct tax amounts.
Maintain employee records and payroll registers.
File monthly payroll tax returns.
Remit social security contributions where applicable.

Tax compliance calendar

Monthly obligations:

BTW returns: 15th of following month (if BTW-registered)
Payroll tax returns: 15th of following month (if employer)

Quarterly obligations:

Advance income tax payments (for businesses with higher income)

Annual obligations:

Income tax returns: Due March 31 following tax year
Annual financial statements (corporations)
Employee annual income statements (employers)

Common Pitfalls

Delaying FIN registration: Causes operational delays (banking, invoicing, hiring) and non-compliance penalties.

Missing BTW threshold: Failing to register when turnover exceeds SRD 150,000 results in back-taxes and penalties.

Incomplete documentation: Missing KKF certificate or address proof causes application rejection or delays.

Ignoring payroll obligations: Hiring employees without employer registration exposes business to penalties and employee claims.

Missing filing deadlines: Late BTW or payroll returns incur penalties and interest charges.

Poor record-keeping: Inadequate documentation during audits results in assessments, penalties, and compliance issues.

Practical Considerations

Professional support

Accountants: Essential for ongoing compliance, filings, and record-keeping.
Tax advisors: Valuable for complex structures, foreign ownership, or tax planning.
Cost: Simple FIN application assistance: SRD 500-1,500; ongoing compliance: SRD 2,000-10,000 annually.

Record-keeping requirements

Retain all income/expense documentation, invoices, bank statements.
Minimum retention: 7 years for most tax records.
Digital or physical storage acceptable; must be accessible for audits.

Online services

Belastingdienst portal: www.belastingdienst.sr
Services: FIN verification, form downloads, appointment scheduling, limited applications.
Requires login with FIN or application reference number.

International considerations

Foreign owners: May require residence permits, foreign investment approvals, tax treaty documentation.
Tax treaties: Suriname has double taxation treaties with some countries; confirm applicability.
Transfer pricing: Related-party transactions with foreign entities require documentation.

Disclaimer

This guide is informational and not legal, financial, or tax advice. Tax laws, rates, thresholds, and procedures change. Confirm current FIN registration requirements, BTW thresholds, payroll obligations, and filing deadlines with the Suriname Belastingdienst and qualified tax professionals before registering or filing.