PDP: NPP’s tax reform revives ‘sun tax’

By THE STAR STAFF

Popular Democratic Party (PDP) Secretary General Manuel Calderón Cerame charged Monday that the governing New Progressive Party’s “tax reform” bill seeks to eliminate the sales tax exemption for solar equipment.

“It is irresponsible and poor policy to eliminate the sales tax exemption for solar equipment such as panels and storage batteries, at a time when Puerto Rico is facing an energy crisis and solar energy is becoming a viable alternative for families and businesses,” Calderón Cerame said.

The tax reform bill, in its article 12, seeks to repeal section 4030.17 of the Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Code.

“A week ago, the governor presented herself as a defender of citizens who have installed solar panels by eliminating the $300 charge, but today she introduces a bill to impose a sales tax on the panels and batteries that a citizen installs in their home, which will cost them 11.5% more,” the PDP official said. “It’s outrageous.”

The PDP, Calderón Cerame said, is calling for the discussion of the tax reform to take place within a framework of fiscal seriousness and prudence, safeguarding the best interests of the people of Puerto Rico and without reaching into the pockets of citizens and business owners who decide to invest in a clean and renewable energy model, given the inefficiency of private grid operator LUMA Energy and the current government.

“We reiterate our desire that the tax reform be one that does not burden the people,” the minority party official said. “Our legislators are ready to contribute to the discussion in a serious and transparent manner.”