In this scenario of economic crisis, falling tax revenues and the need to finance recovery programs, in Guatemala and Costa Rica it is already proposed to increase current taxes and create new ones.
Guatemalan authorities are already beginning to discuss the fiscal policy they will apply in 2021, when the economy will have to face the effects of the economic crisis generated by the covid-19 outbreak.
Noting uncertainty and political instability in the country as the main risk factor for the economy, the rating remains at BB with a stable outlook.
From the press release by Fitch Ratings:
Fitch Ratings-New York-19 June 2015: Fitch Ratings has affirmed Guatemala's long-term foreign- and local-currency Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) at 'BB' with a Stable Outlook.
The tax burden was placed at 10.9%, as a result of a tax proceeds of $5.912 million, 8.1% higher than in 2012.
Guatemala's fiscal deficit ended the year at 2.2%, below the Government's initial estimate of 2.5 %.
From a press release by the Ministry of Finance:
The Ministry of Finance reports that at the close of the fiscal accounts for 2013 has been completed and given results that demonstrate the efficient and sound management of fiscal policy. The deficit stood at 2.2% of GDP, a level that fosters macroeconomic stability and economic development. The delay in approving budget support loans and behavior of tax revenues represented adversities which were properly dealt with.
The Ministry of Finance will send Congress its 2011 state budget in the next two weeks.
According to Édgar Balsells, Guatemalan Finance Minister, tax and non-tax revenues are forecast to be $4.96 billion, higher than the $4.23 billion predicted for this year.
In order to increase revenues, Balsells explains to Siglo Veintiuno that, "part of the plan is for the national Tax Revenue Authority (SAT) to 'toughen controls' but it also takes into account the impact of the anti-evasion law, currently pending approval by Congress".