Fiscaal Identificatie Nummer (FIN) in Suriname

Purpose

Explain the Fiscaal Identificatie Nummer (FIN) system in Suriname, including what it is, who needs it, how to obtain it, and associated obligations. For founders, accountants, and advisors navigating tax registration.

What this page covers:

FIN definition, structure, and purpose
Who requires FIN and when
Application process, documentation, and timelines
Compliance obligations and common challenges

Who this is for:

Business owners obtaining FIN for newly registered entities
Accountants preparing FIN applications
Foreign investors understanding Suriname tax requirements
Advisors coordinating tax registration steps

Context & Assumptions

Regional scope: Suriname tax identification system.

Terminology: In Suriname, the Tax Identification Number is called FIN (Fiscaal Identificatie Nummer), not TIN. This guide uses the local term.

Applies to: All commercial entities (Eenmanszaak, VOF/CV, BV/NV, Stichting with business activity), individuals conducting business, employees, and income earners.

Prerequisites: KKF registration must be complete before FIN application for businesses.

Core Guidance

What is FIN?

Definition: A unique identifier assigned by the Suriname Belastingdienst (Tax Authority) to individuals and businesses for tax administration.

Purpose:

Links all tax filings, payments, and obligations to the taxpayer
Prevents tax evasion and identity fraud
Enables compliance tracking and audit management
Required for business bank accounts, invoicing, and employment

FIN structure:

Typically 9-digit number
May include prefix codes for entity type (e.g., BV-123456789 for corporations, ST-123456789 for foundations)
Check digits for validation

Who needs FIN?

All businesses (mandatory):

Eenmanszaak (sole proprietorship)
VOF/CV (partnerships)
BV/NV (private/public limited companies)
Stichting (foundations) conducting commercial activity
Branches of foreign companies

Individuals (mandatory):

Self-employed persons and business owners
Property owners receiving rental income
Investment income recipients
Employees (often obtained via employer)
Non-residents earning Suriname-sourced income

Exemptions (limited):

Pure charitable foundations (case-by-case)
Government entities
Diplomatic missions
Some international organizations

Application process

Step 1: Prepare documentation

For businesses:

KKF registration certificate and extract
Articles of incorporation or partnership agreement
Proof of business address (lease, utility bill, title deed)
Personal identification of owners/directors (ID or passport)
Authorized signatory documentation

For individuals:

Valid ID card or passport
Proof of address (utility bill, rental agreement)
Birth certificate (certified copy, if required)
Social security documentation (if applicable)

For foreign nationals:

Valid passport with visa/work permit
Residence permit or work authorization
Apostilled birth certificate
Proof of Surinamese address

Step 2: Submit application

Where to apply:

Main Office: Henck Arronstraat 26-30, Paramaribo
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Services: All registration types, compliance support
Languages: Dutch, English, Sranantongo
District offices: Limited services; Nickerie (basic registration), Wanica (information), Commewijne (by appointment)

Online services:

Portal: www.belastingdienst.sr
Limited applications available online (confirm eligibility)
FIN verification, form downloads, appointment scheduling

Application methods:

In-person with complete documentation (most common)
Through authorized representative (power of attorney required)
Online (limited to certain business types)

Step 3: Processing and issuance

Processing times:

Simple applications (individuals, Eenmanszaak): 3-5 business days
Complex structures (BV/NV, partnerships): 10-15 business days
Foreign-owned businesses: 15-20 business days

Issuance:

FIN certificate provided upon approval
Number activated immediately for use
Entry into tax authority database
Notification to other government agencies (if applicable)

Cost: SRD 50-200 depending on entity type and complexity.

Types of tax registrations with FIN

Income tax registration:

Automatic for all business entities with FIN
Annual income tax returns due March 31
Quarterly advance payments for higher income businesses
Special declarations for certain income types

BTW (Belasting Toegevoegde Waarde) registration:

Mandatory when annual turnover exceeds SRD 150,000
Mandatory for importers of commercial goods
Voluntary registration available for businesses below threshold
Monthly BTW returns due 15th of following month

Payroll tax registration:

Required for all employers (even one employee)
Withhold income tax from employee salaries
Monthly payroll tax returns due 15th of following month
Annual employee income statements

Other registrations:

Property tax (real estate ownership)
Excise tax (excisable goods)
Import/export tax (trade activities)

Compliance obligations

Filing requirements:

Annual: Income tax returns (March 31), financial statements (corporations), employee income statements (employers)
Monthly: BTW returns (15th), payroll tax returns (15th)
Quarterly: Advance income tax payments (higher income businesses)

Record-keeping:

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

Payment obligations:

Income tax: March 31 (with return filing)
BTW: 15th of following month
Payroll taxes: 15th of following month
Payment methods: Bank transfer, authorized collection, online payment, cash at designated locations

Common Pitfalls

Missing KKF prerequisite: Applying for FIN before completing KKF registration causes rejection; KKF must be finished first.

Incomplete documentation: Missing address proof, expired IDs, or inconsistent information delays processing or causes rejection.

Foreign document issues: Non-apostilled foreign documents, uncertified translations, or unclear authentications cause delays.

Delaying application: Waiting to register prevents banking, invoicing, hiring, and operations; apply immediately after KKF.

Ignoring ongoing obligations: Obtaining FIN is only the start; missing filing/payment deadlines results in penalties and interest.

Poor record-keeping: Inadequate documentation during audits leads to assessments, penalties, and compliance problems.

Practical Considerations

Professional support

When to engage professionals:

Complex business structures (BV/NV, foreign ownership, multiple entities)
Foreign investment or cross-border elements
Ongoing compliance management (filings, payments, record-keeping)
Tax planning and optimization

Types of professionals:

Certified Public Accountants (CPAs)
Tax attorneys and advisors
Business consultants
Payroll service providers

Typical costs:

Simple FIN application assistance: SRD 500-1,500
Complex registration: SRD 1,500-5,000
Ongoing compliance: SRD 2,000-10,000 annually
Specialized advice: SRD 200-500 per hour

Online services and digital tools

Belastingdienst portal (www.belastingdienst.sr):

FIN verification and status check
Application tracking (reference number required)
Form downloads and instructions
Appointment scheduling
Limited online applications (confirm eligibility)

Login requirements:

Existing FIN or application reference number
Personal identification verification
Email address for communications
Secure password

International considerations

Foreign business owners:

Require valid residence or work permits
May need foreign investment approval (Ministry of Finance)
Tax treaty benefits (if applicable) require documentation
Anti-money laundering compliance (source of funds, beneficial ownership)

Tax treaties:

Suriname has double taxation prevention treaties with some countries
Confirm treaty applicability and benefit documentation requirements
Reduced withholding tax rates may apply
Dispute resolution mechanisms available

Transfer pricing:

Related-party transactions with foreign entities require documentation
Arm's length principle applies
Compliance audits focus on cross-border arrangements

Disclaimer

This guide is informational and not legal, financial, or tax advice. Tax laws, FIN requirements, application procedures, and compliance obligations change. Confirm current FIN registration requirements, processing times, fees, and ongoing obligations with the Suriname Belastingdienst and qualified tax professionals before applying or making decisions.