The Dian intensifies its offensive against tax evasion

With an accumulated debt of $911.59 billion, the National Tax and Customs Directorate (DIAN) and the Attorney General's Office launched a new joint offensive against tax evasion in Colombia. The aim is not only to reduce the incidence of this crime but also to generate new resources for the state coffers.

In a statement, these entities announced that on Tuesday, June 17, 20,944 taxpayers were summoned for active criminal proceedings or complaints for failing to transfer to the State the amounts withheld for VAT and Withholding Tax and for being in arrears with the country on tax matters.

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Luis Eduardo Llinás, director of the tax authority, explained that this measure is part of the Sixth National Collection Campaign "Up to Date with the Dian," a program that seeks to facilitate tax regularization and reduce evasion through direct actions and legal consequences.

"This event represents a concrete opportunity for taxpayers to settle their debts, avoiding legal consequences," said Llinás, who emphasized that opportunities like this help avoid future headaches and allow citizens to regularize their tax situation.

The total amount owed by the aforementioned taxpayers represents a significant blow to public finances. Nearly $1 trillion has not been allocated to the national budget, affecting the implementation of social policies, public investment, and the functioning of the State.

"Furthermore, this action is not isolated. It is part of a broader package of measures that includes portfolio recovery through seizures, asset forfeitures, the application of judicial deposits, and criminal prosecution," they added.

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Taxpayers summoned must attend the DIAN branch offices in their respective cities. During this session, they will have the option to formalize payment agreements, apply seized funds to their debts, receive tax guidance, and request the suspension or dismissal of criminal proceedings if they pay their debt in full.

In this regard, the DIAN warned that those who fail to heed the call or fail to keep up with their payments will face seizure, inclusion in the State's delinquent debtors registry, and the continuation of ongoing legal proceedings.

"Settlement of the debt isn't just about resolving a problem with the Directorate; it's an act of respect for the millions of Colombians who have already paid their debt," added Director Llinás. He explained that, as part of this same campaign, enforcement actions will be implemented against those who have shown no willingness to pay.

"The seizure of 220 assets seized from 137 taxpayers, whose debt totals $202.044 billion, will be executed. 5,200 judicial deposits, with an estimated value of $80.317 billion, will be applied to settle the obligations of at least 720 taxpayers," they stated.

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The DIAN (National Tax Agency) noted that these tools, which include the use of assets and resources from the courts, are designed to reduce overdue debts and ensure that public funds return to the state coffers.

"These types of meetings take on greater relevance amid the country's delicate fiscal situation . The national government has recognized liquidity difficulties and has been forced to seek financing alternatives, such as international loans and debt issuance," said Llinás Chica.

In this context, the fight against evasion becomes an urgent necessity, and the DIAN has made it clear that it's not just about imposing sanctions, but also about recovering essential resources and fostering a culture of tax compliance.

Taxpayers can also check their account status and access regularization services through the official portal: www.dian.gov.co or directly through the link enabled for the event: https://cutt.ly/HrvNKfPi.