Dear Weekender,
As the new year begins in St. Maarten, employers and business owners are not only planning for growth and new opportunities but also facing important annual compliance requirements. One key deadline is approaching quickly: no later than Monday, February 2, 2026, employers must file the 2025 Wage Tax Summary Sheet (In Dutch: ‘Verzamelloonstaat’) and businesses – where applicable – must submit the 2025 Third Party Statement (In Dutch: ‘Opgaaf Werkzaamheden Derden’).
The Wage Tax Summary Sheet is the annual summary of wage tax and social premiums information (altogether referred to as payroll taxes) of the previous calendar year. It consolidates data such as total wages paid, wage tax withheld, and relevant employee details. This filing allows the tax authorities to verify whether wage tax has been properly calculated and remitted throughout the year. In practice, it functions as a year-end reconciliation of payroll compliance. Errors, inconsistencies, or missing information can trigger questions from the tax authorities, create delays, and may require corrections that cost additional time and effort.
In addition to the wage tax summary sheet, many businesses must also submit the Third Party Statement 2025. This obligation is often overlooked, especially by companies that frequently hire non-payroll workers. The Third Party Statement applies when an organisation has made payments to individuals who performed work but were not on the payroll – such as freelancers, independent contractors, consultants, temporary workers, or other service providers. The purpose is transparency: the authorities use this information to ensure that income paid to third parties is correctly reported and taxed by the recipient.
Why does this matter so much? Because failing to submit these filings on time or submitting them incorrectly may result in a significant penalty. Non-compliance may lead to a fine of Cg. 5,000, which equals approximately US $2,809. This is an unnecessary cost that can be avoided with timely preparation and proper review. Just as importantly, these reporting obligations help ensure transparency and support a fair tax system, so that individuals and businesses contribute their fair share and public services can be properly funded.
Now is the right time for business to take a proactive approach. Are all payroll records for 2025 complete and accurately processed? Do the totals per employee match the amounts reported and paid during the year? Have all payments to third parties been properly recorded with names, addresses, and amounts paid? Leaving these checks to the last minute increases the risk of mistakes and missed deadlines.
A useful way to look at these filings is not as “routine paperwork,” but as an annual quality review of your payroll and expense administration. It strengthens compliance, reduces the risk of audits and follow-up inquiries, and provides peace of mind. Strong compliance practices also reflect responsible business management and reinforces trust with regulators.
In short, February 2, 2026, is a firm deadline. Businesses should ensure that the Wage Tax Summary Sheet and, where applicable, the Third Party Statement for 2025 are submitted accurately and on time. Avoiding a penalty is a smart way to start the year on the right foot.
Yours sincerely,
Nicole Echobardo | HBN Law & Tax
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