Netherlands Antilles Offer Tax Rebate for Meetings, Conventions
New tax initiatives between the U.S. and the Netherlands Antilles that took effect in March 22, of 2007 mean good news for meetings and convention planners. The agreement allows U.S. taxpayers to claim a tax deduction for expenses associated with a convention held in the Netherlands Antilles to the same extent as a convention held in the US.
The implementation of the Tax Information Exchange Agreement means that the five islands of the Netherlands Antilles — Bonaire; Curacao; Saba; St. Eustatius; and St. Maarten — are considered part of the North American area. (Aruba had previously been considered part of the Netherlands Antilles until 1986 when it was granted a "status apart" and became a separate part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.)
Expenses incurred while attending conventions, business meetings and seminars on the five islands are allowed as deductions according to the same regulations as if each of the five islands were a U.S. territory. "These tax information agreements strengthen the relationship between the Netherlands Antilles and the U.S." said Aimee Kleinmoedig, director of the Curacao Tourism Corp. in North America. "On behalf of Curacao, we are thrilled to be part of the initiative. "If our beaches, culture and diversity weren't reason enough to consider Curacao for business and conventions, this should certainly be the final push," Kleinmoedig added.
