Senate president urges towns to clean up CRIM, reignites debate over inventory tax

Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz

By THE STAR STAFF

Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz reignited debate over Puerto Rico’s inventory tax and municipal revenue practices on Monday, publishing a pointed message on social media that included six public questions directed at the mayors and the board of the Municipal Revenue Collections Center (CRIM by its acronym in Spanish).

Using his signature “Good Morning Puerto Rico” format, Rivera Schatz, who also serves as vice president of the New Progressive Party, criticized what he described as outdated property appraisals, inefficient tax collection processes, and a lack of urgency in addressing the controversial inventory tax.

“When will you update the appraisal values and the inventory of the properties you are taxed on?” he asked. “That would broaden the tax base and could even lead to a reduction in payments for taxpayers.”

Rivera Schatz also called for the elimination of what he termed “rampant bureaucracy” within the CRIM, arguing that it prevents both delinquent and willing taxpayers from fulfilling their obligations. He demanded answers regarding improper charges, delays and irregularities in the agency’s operations.

The Senate leader questioned whether municipal or commercial economic stability should take precedence, urging a balanced approach that includes tax reform and administrative efficiency. “Isn’t it better to seek a balance by eliminating taxes and achieving efficiencies?” he wrote.

Rivera Schatz’s message comes amid ongoing legislative debate over House Bill 420, which proposes phasing out the inventory tax by 2028. The measure has drawn mixed reactions from municipal leaders, including Bayamón Mayor Ramón Luis Rivera Cruz, who recently warned that eliminating the tax without a replacement plan would create serious fiscal challenges for municipalities.

In his post, Rivera Schatz echoed those concerns but urged action without delay or political posturing.

“If we are all elected for four years, why wait five to find a solution to the legendary inventory tax problem?” he asked.

The post followed another message published Sunday, in which Rivera Schatz criticized five tax proposals from Popular Democratic Party mayors, dismissing them as “pure politicking.”