PANAMA

On January 3 the National Assembly of Panama returned to work and installed the Second Legislature of the Third Period of Ordinary Sessions 2021-2022. On the occasion, the president of the body, Crispiano Adames (PRD – ruling party), stressed that during 2022 among the pending and priority initiatives is Bill 229, which seeks to regulate digital platforms through the creation of a simplified tax regime for Digital Intermediation or Commercialization Companies. According to the National Constitution, the sessions will be extended until April 30.

During the opening of the sessions, Adames highlighted that during the previous legislature, the bill was returned to the first debate so that the Committee on Economy and Finance could further its study. This initiative aims to create a regulatory framework in the labor and tax field for companies of the digital sector. 

In addition, in this new legislative period, the debate on the suitability of the implementation of the electronic invoice, regulated by the recently enacted Law 256, could be held. Criticisms on its adoption led Congresswoman Zulay Rodríguez (PRD – ruling party) to present a bill to repeal the measure. In turn, the General Director of Revenues, Publio De Gracia, stated that, based on the demands on the matter, he is gathering suggestions to improve the law.