Tax Law · Venezuela · SENIAT
Is your company prepared for a SENIAT tax audit?
A tax audit can happen at any time. The difference between a crisis and a manageable process lies in preparation.
Phase 01
Before the auditors arrive
Keep records up to date in electronic formats. SENIAT allows only 3 to 5 business days to respond.
Confirm tax compliance with your accountants: cover at least the last 2 fiscal years.
Keep accounting books and administration in separate areas from the rest of your operations.
Contingency plan: backup servers and internal communication protocols.
Phase 02
During the audit
Single spokesperson (max. 3 people) as authorized points of contact with the auditors.
Request the administrative order authorizing the audit and verify its scope.
Respond in writing and obtain a signed acknowledgment of receipt for everything submitted.
Provide only what is legally required. Do not share confidential information unrelated to the audit.
If you fail to cooperate
Possible consequences
Ex-officio assessment on a presumptive basis, disregarding your books and records.
Onerous penalties, default interest, and accumulated surcharges.
Closure of premises for up to 72 hours — extendable to all of your facilities.
Tax deficiency assessments that may lead to administrative and judicial tax litigation.