I believe people here are well-meaning with their suggestions and thoughts concerning the odious new
Fiskal, for both Indonesian nationals and expats. Getting real and accurate information merely contributes to the confusion.
For example, I asked earlier if an Indonesian without an employer can register for a tax number? Like a house-wife. In many western countries, (Australia comes to mind), even those unemployed need to file annual tax returns. People earning less than a certain figure, (like those on social security benefits), don't have to pay any tax. But, they're still supposed to file a tax return.
Indonesia, which has neither a viable social security system, nor a credible taxation system, is finally waking up to the fact that most people are both un-registered in the first place, (for tax purposes), and don't pay taxes. I wonder why it's taken so long for the authorities to realize they're being diddled by tens of millions of their own people?
No problem. Respond with some kind of knee-jerk reaction and that'll fix things. But don't spell out any details that anybody can understand. Don't give people any concrete information. Like the first president of Indonesia, (Soekarno), described his own people: "They're like monkeys in the dark". Or even like one of Indonesia's most famous writers, (Pramoedya Ananta Toer), said in one of his novels: "Indonesia is a jungle of ignorance".
What's different now, exactly? Less darkness because there is some electricity? And less jungle means less ignorance? I wish.
With all due respect, I'd like comment briefly on the following posts:
Jimbo
The Tax laws in Indonesia have been in existence for some time but rarely enforced. There is a tax even on sosial Budaya holders if they exceed 183 days per year although I doubt if it has been enforced.
If some-one is on a
Sosial Budaya, they're not allowed to work for money. So how can they be taxed?
Freogirl
Mats, I wonder what will happen to those on a soc. bud. who leave after 180 days but get another in Singapore and come straight back. They will live in Indonesia more than 183 days within 12 months (or do they mean consequtive days??)
Six months means 180 days, according to Indonesian bureaucracy. Stay over that and you have to pay fines. This "regulation" has existed for many years already. Years of staying in Indonesia "sos-budding", the letter of this condition was never applied to me. Maybe it's going to change.
wepro
BTW, is it possible to get a Tax number when I m living here with socialvisa? But even if its possible - is it a got idea? I don't think so. Don' give your identity to any tax office if they dont ask.
Good question and raised point. If my Indonesian wife, who doesn't have a paid job, can't get one, why should a foreigner whose supposedly here to be with friends, family, etc, get one? You're not allowed to work for money here on a sosbud. (Unless that's changed.)
Following on, I tend to agree with you that it may not be wise to have any dealings with tax offices, if you can help it. However, things might be changing. I read somewhere that the Australian government is trying to help Indonesia with its tax system.
tintin
I'm certainly not a lawyer, but it looks very clear to me that many people will now have to pay the exit tax.
Like I've been saying, nothing is very clear in this country. Furthermore, people living outside of Indonesia should not try to impose their Western impressions of what's happening on the ground here. I'm sure you meant well, but it doesn't help.
Jimbo
All those using visa's that are not Kitas for long term stays will get caught in this net including business visa's also.
Maybe. But you don't distinguish between the two types of KITAS. One for people working in Indonesia and the other for retired people. Retirees are not permitted to work for money. Why should they have to pay more than before? Or at all?
The bottom line, as I see it. Nobody really knows anything for sure, including many Indonesians. For all those who may be really affected by this, I wish them the very best.
I look forward to any accounts of
real experiences, not just theories from arm-chair philosophers or arm-chair travelers.
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