On January 24, 2025, the National Government issued Decree 0062, declaring a state of internal commotion in the Catatumbo region, the municipalities of the metropolitan area of Cúcuta, and the municipalities of Río de Oro and González in the Department of Cesar.
Exercising the constitutional powers granted under the state of internal commotion, the Government has enacted 19 decrees and announced the introduction of new taxes aimed at raising approximately COP 1.063 trillion. Key measures include:
(i) a 19% VAT on online games of chance; (ii) a 1% stamp tax; and (iii) a tax on coal and oil exports.
As of today, the decree formally establishing these taxes has not yet been published, but it is expected to be issued no later than next week. Furthermore, on February 11, the Ministry of Finance announced its intention to make these initially temporary taxes permanent through a forthcoming tax reform.
Individuals and companies are advised to closely monitor regulations issued under the state of internal commotion in order to ensure timely and accurate compliance with new tax obligations.
