Business Community Highlights Tax Refunds, Suahasil: If It’s Their Right, It Will Certainly Be Granted

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Finance Minister Suahasil Nazara has assured that the government will continue providing tax refunds to taxpayers who are legitimately entitled to them under the applicable regulations.

Suahasil made this statement amid concerns from the business community regarding the management and disbursement of tax refunds.

"If it is truly their right, it will definitely be granted in accordance with the rules," Suahasil said during a press conference on Friday (18/9/2026).

He explained that the management of refunds by the Directorate General of Taxes (DJP) within the Ministry of Finance continues to follow the prevailing regulations.

Therefore, taxpayers who meet the criteria remain entitled to receive reimbursements for any excess tax payments.

While affirming that taxpayers’ rights will be upheld, Suahasil emphasized that refund requests must also be submitted in compliance with procedures.

He urged businesses to utilize the tax refund facility in accordance with the applicable rules.

To ensure the refund process is properly managed, Suahasil revealed that he has conveyed related matters to the Director General of Taxes, Bimo Wijayanto.

His attention is not only on the refund management process but also on the communication between the Directorate General of Taxes and taxpayers and businesses.

The tax refund controversy previously arose after the business sector voiced complaints concerning the release of overpaid tax reimbursements.

This issue resurfaced following the replacement of the Finance Minister from Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa to Suahasil Nazara.

At the same event, Director General of Taxes Bimo Wijayanto denied any withholding of tax refunds or plans by the government to convert overpaid tax returns into bonds.

Bimo stressed that the Directorate General of Taxes continues to process refunds as long as taxpayers can prove that they have overpaid according to the applicable provisions.

He also noted that the government is currently implementing a more prudent refund process. Taxpayers, especially those considered high risk, undergo audits based on a taxpayer compliance matrix and standard operating procedures (SOP) for examinations.

However, he clarified that this policy does not mean the government is withholding refunds.

Bimo added that advance refunds are still being issued to taxpayers who meet the qualifications.

"There are still many advance refunds being given. This basically means a redefinition of providing refunds in a more cautious manner," he said.