SENIAT Revises the Special Taxpayer Classification Regime

On October 22, 2026, Administrative Ruling SNAT/2026/00099 was published in Official Gazette No. 43,485. It governs the classification, obligations, and loss or revocation of special taxpayer status in Venezuela. Its application requires distinguishing the new classification criteria from the position of taxpayers already notified of their special status.

1. New classification criteria

• Financial thresholds. The Ruling establishes different thresholds depending on the competent SENIAT office. For taxpayers under the jurisdiction of Regional Tax Offices, it provides for annual gross income equal to or greater than 600,000 times the official exchange rate of the highest-valued currency published by the Central Bank of Venezuela (BCV), or monthly sales or services exceeding 50,000 times that exchange rate. For the Capital Region, the corresponding thresholds are 3,000,000 and 250,000 times the exchange rate, respectively. These criteria are assessed using the two most recent annual income tax returns or the three most recent monthly VAT returns, as applicable (Articles 2 and 3). The Ruling also addresses certain specific economic activities.
• Loss and revocation of status. The Ruling regulates the circumstances in which special taxpayer status may be lost or revoked. Among other grounds, SENIAT may revoke the classification if annual gross income falls below the applicable threshold in the two most recent fiscal years, or if sales or services remain below the threshold in the six most recent consecutive monthly tax returns (Articles 7 and 8).

2. Treatment of previously classified taxpayers

• Preservation of existing classifications. Article 16 expressly provides that taxpayers classified and notified as special taxpayers before the Ruling enters into force will not lose that status as a result of the new Ruling.
• Continuing obligations. Falling below the new thresholds does not, in itself, automatically terminate special taxpayer status. While the classification remains in effect, the applicable obligations continue, including VAT withholding duties where relevant.

3. Effective date and recommended review

• Effective date. The Ruling enters into force on November 1, 2026.
• Individual assessment. Companies should verify their status with SENIAT and, where appropriate, assess whether they meet the requirements to request revocation before changing their tax compliance procedures.

Disclaimer

This publication is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The effects of the new regime and any potential revocation must be assessed in light of each taxpayer's particular circumstances.

Information current as of October 26, 2026.

LEC Abogados | Caracas, Venezuela