BRIEFS. politics

Report: tax exemption would cost $98 million

LA PRENSA

exempt:The Asamblean Nacional is expected to discuss a proposal to allow some parents tax breaks for private school tuition. 1030721

A proposal that would allow some parents to deduct private school costs from their income tax would cost the government just under $100 million a year in revenue, according to a report from the Ministerio de Economía y Finanzas (MEF).

This figure contrasts with an earlier estimate provided by the MEF which put the total cost of the program at about $50 million.

The proposal is part of a package of tax breaks being considered by the Asamblea Nacional. The tax exemption would only apply to parents earning up to a certain amount.

Legislators opposed to the tax break were critical of the revised figures, and said that the MEF is handling the issue with a "lack of transparency."

The issue is expected to be discussed by the Asamblea's finance committee this week.