If you are a public official, you may wonder: How should the declaration of assets be done? Learn everything you need to know about this type of declaration in the Dominican Republic.
In this article, we will discuss the declaration of assets for public officials. What is it, and how to do it? We’ll explain it here.
Before submitting this declaration, it’s important to understand that it is a mandatory document for every public official who starts or ends their public service.
What is the Declaration of Assets?
The Declaration of Assets, also known as a Declaration of Wealth, is a document that allows public officials to declare all their assets, such as houses, vehicles, income, and expenses, thereby establishing their assets and liabilities.
This type of declaration enables them to disclose all their assets to perform public duties.
Law on the Declaration of Assets
The law aims to prevent corruption, stating in the second consideration of Law 311-14 the following:
The Dominican State is committed to public ethics; therefore, it must ensure the integrity of public officials in the exercise of their duties, making it essential to provide the Dominican legal system with the necessary tools to ensure compliance with the covenant between powers and citizens within the framework of Dominican democracy.
Thus, the declaration of assets is an essential document that public officials in the Dominican Republic must submit when they begin or end their public service.
According to Dominican laws:
Law 311-14 on the Declaration of Wealth of 2014 designates the Chamber of Accounts of the Dominican Republic to audit the asset declarations of public officials.
If you are a public official in the Dominican Republic and need advice on submitting your declaration of assets, at Contadores Dominicanos, we have the best professionals ready to assist you.
How to Make a Declaration of Assets?
Public officials are required to declare their assets and those of the marital community.
Model of Declaration of Assets in the Dominican Republic
- Personal information, as well as photocopies of the official’s identification documents and those of their spouse, if applicable.
- Income from other jobs or activities.
- Details of checking and savings accounts, as well as information on any investments in the Dominican Republic or abroad.
- A detailed list of all assets and liabilities of the declarant and the marital community.
- Information regarding their role as a shareholder or partner in public or private corporations or companies.
- A detailed list of registered movable and immovable property in the Dominican Republic or abroad.
- Declaration to the General Directorate of Internal Taxes (DGII) regarding their assets.
The information provided in the Declaration of Wealth must be supported by documentation of the declared assets.
As for the required documents for submitting this declaration, they may vary depending on the information provided, but here is a list of the most common ones:
Required Documents:
- Photocopy of the passport, national ID card, and electoral card.
- Photocopy of the certificate of appointment or swearing-in act indicating the salary amount.
- Photocopy of the marriage or common-law union certificate, if applicable.
- Photocopy of the annual declaration made to the DGII.
- Photocopy of the title deed of all property or real estate.
- Photocopies of the bank certificates of the official and spouse, including assets and liabilities as of the date of the declaration.
- Photocopy of the capital invested in financial products or balance certification.
These are the main documents to be submitted in the declaration, but there may be additional documents depending on the information provided by the public official.
Model of Property Declaration in the Dominican Republic
Property Description
- Type of Property: [House, Apartment, Land, Commercial Property, etc.]
- Location: [Exact Address of the Property]
- Registration or Cadastral No.: [Registration Number or Cadastral Number of the Property]
- Land Area: [Square Meters]
- Built Area: [Square Meters]
Property Value
- Land Value: [Land Value in Dominican Pesos]
- Construction Value: [Construction Value in Dominican Pesos]
- Total Property Value: [Total Property Value in Dominican Pesos]
Property Use
- Current Use: [Residential, Commercial, Mixed, etc.]
- Property Owner(s): [Name(s) of the Property Owner(s)]
- Legal Status of the Property: [Owned, Mortgaged, Rented, etc.]
Other Relevant Details
- Additional Information: [Any other relevant information for the declaration]
¿Qué funcionarios públicos deben presentar la declaración jurada de bienes?
According to Article 2 of Law 311-14, the public officials required to declare include:
- The President and Vice President of the Republic, as well as the Legal Advisor to the Executive Branch, ministers, vice ministers, and other executive branch officials.
- Senators, deputies, administrative and financial secretaries of the Senate of the Republic and the Chamber of Deputies, among other legislative officials.
- General administrators and deputy administrators, superintendents, and deputy superintendents.
- Judges of the Supreme Court of Justice, superior administrative courts, and other judicial branch judges.
- Judges and officials of the Constitutional Court, Superior Electoral Court, Public Ministry, Ombudsman, Central Electoral Board, among other judicial branch officials.
- Officials of the General Comptroller of the Republic, National Treasury, Central Bank, National Social Security Council, Armed Forces, and National Police.
- Officials of state banks and companies, state universities, and public hospitals.
- Other officials designated by law.
When Should the Declaration of Assets be Submitted?
Public officials must submit this declaration:
- Within thirty days of taking office.
- Upon leaving office, they must submit it within thirty days after their duties have ended.
- If a public official is under investigation regarding their assets, the competent authority may request an update of the declaration at any time during their service.
