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Guatemala’s Tax System – Country Profile

Guatemala’s tax system is characterized by its territorial tax regime, which means that it only taxes income generated within its borders. This approach to taxation allows for a distinct separation between local and foreign-source income, with the latter being exempt from taxation. The structure of the tax system is designed to encourage investment and economic activity within the country, while also simplifying the tax obligations for individuals and corporations. The rates and rules for various taxes, including corporate income tax, personal income tax, and the absence of inheritance, gift, and wealth taxes, reflect Guatemala’s strategic approach to fiscal policy. This overview provides insight into the core components of Guatemala’s tax system, highlighting its implications for both local and international taxpayers.

Guatemala’s Tax System overview

Corporate Income Tax: 25%
Personal Income Tax: 5/7%, progr.
Inheritance Tax: None
Gift Tax: None
Wealth Tax: None

Territorial Tax Regime

Guatemala applies the tax principle of territoriality. Income tax is levied on Guatemalan source income only. Income from foreign sources is not taxed.

Corporate Income Tax

Corporations incorporated in Guatemala are subject to tax on local source income at a rate of 25% of net income. Corporations can elect to be taxed on net income or gross revenue.  Foreign sourced income is not subject to tax. Passive income is taxed separately at different rates. Capital gains sourced in Guatemala are taxed at 10%. There are withholding taxes on dividend  payments at 5% and interest at 10%, except in the case of interest payments between banking entities.  

Personal Income Taxation

Guatemalan residents are only subject to tax on local source income. Employment income is taxed at 5% or 7%; and passive income is generally taxed at 10%.  Guatemala does not impose gift, inheritance tax or wealth tax.

Anti-Avoidance Rules

Guatemala has no General Anti-Avoidance Rules.  Guatemala has Transfer Pricing rules, which require transactions between related parties to be arms-length, and has Thin Capitalization rules. However, Guatemala has no Controlled Foreign Corporation (CFC) rules.  

Double Tax Treaties (DTTs) 

Guatemala does not have any DTTs in force.  

Foreign Investment Protection

Guatemala has Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) and Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with a number of jurisdictions for the protection of investments that provide for international arbitration in the event of nationalization or expropriation, including with the Dominican Republic (FTA) Luxembourg (BIT), Netherlands (BIT), Panama (FTA), Spain (BIT), Switzerland (BIT), and Trinidad and Tobago (BIT).

OECD Multilateral Convention 

Guatemala is a signatory to the Multilateral Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters. Signatories to the Convention are required to exchange information on request, and are authorized to exchange information spontaneously and automatically. 

Common Reporting Standard (CRS)

Guatemala has not adopted CRS for the automatic exchange of financial account information. 

FATCA

Guatemala has not executed a FATCA IGA with the United States for FATCA implementation, and is not treated as having an “agreement in substance” with the United States. 
 

In conclusion, Guatemala’s tax system is structured around the principle of territoriality, offering a straightforward and favorable tax regime for those earning income within the country. The absence of taxes on foreign-source income, inheritance, gift, and wealth, combined with specific rules for corporate and personal income taxation, positions Guatemala as an attractive location for investment and residency. Despite the lack of General Anti-Avoidance Rules and Double Tax Treaties, Guatemala’s commitment to international cooperation is evident through its participation in the Multilateral Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters. Finally, the country’s tax policy framework, characterized by selective taxation and investment protection mechanisms, underscores its strategic approach to fostering economic growth and attracting foreign investment.

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Guatemala's tax system