Economist Proposes Eliminating Security Tax, Calling It a Disguised Levy

Amparo Canales, former president of the Honduran College of Economists (CHE), has called for the gradual elimination of the Population Security Tax. She argues that the levy functions as a disguised tax, ultimately burdening Honduran savings and consumption.

Canales explained that the tax is applied to savings accounts and credit card usage, which she believes constitutes an additional burden on the population. She stressed the need to review this mechanism and establish a path for its elimination in the medium term.

The economist noted that resources collected through this tax were committed by previous administrations until 2029 and 2030. However, she pointed out that citizens are still awaiting concrete results on the impact these funds have had on security.

Canales highlighted that the management of funds from the Security Tax has raised public questions, with some individuals facing legal proceedings for the alleged irregular use of these funds. This situation has eroded public trust. She reiterated that Hondurans have the right to know the destination of the resources contributed over the years through this charge and believes the country should move towards a more equitable tax system that does not penalize savings or consumption.