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Panama’s Tax System – Country Profile

Panamaโ€™s tax system is simple, territorial, and designed to focus on local income. With corporate and personal income tax rates capped at 25% and no taxes on inheritance, gifts, or wealth, it appeals to both businesses and individuals. Income earned outside Panama is exempt, making it a strategic choice for international investors. Supported by numerous Double Tax Treaties (DTTs) and robust agreements for information exchange, Panama also complies with global transparency standards, ensuring trust and clarity in financial dealings.

Panama’s Tax System overview

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

Territorial Tax Regime

Panama has a territorial tax regime. Income tax is levied on Panama source income only. Income from foreign sources is not subject to tax.

Corporate Income Tax

Corporations are subject to tax on Panama source income at a rate of 25%. Capital gains on securities are taxed at 10%.

Personal Income Taxation

Residents of Panama are subject to income tax on local source income at progressive rates, up to 25%. Panama does not impose gift tax, inheritance tax, or wealth tax. Capital gains on securities are taxed at 10%.

Anti-Avoidance Rules

Panama has no General Anti-Avoidance Rules (GAARs). Panama has Transfer Pricing rules, which follow OECD guidelines. Panama has no Thin Capitalization rules, or Controlled Foreign Corporation (CFC) rules.ย 

Double Tax Treaties (DTTs)ย 

Panama has a number of DTTs, including with Barbados, France, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, UAE, and United Kingdom.ย ย 

Foreign Investment Protection

Panama has agreements with a number of jurisdictions for the protection of investments that provide for international arbitration in the event of nationalization or expropriation, including with Luxembourg, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States, and Uruguay.

Tax Info. Exchange Agreements (TIEAs)

Panama has a number of Tax Information Exchange Agreements (TIEAs), including with Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Japan, Norway, Sweden, and United States.ย ย 

OECD Multilateral Conventionย 

Panama is a signatory to the OECD Multilateral Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters. Signatories to the Convention are required to exchange information on request. The Convention is also the underlying instrument to the MCAA.

Common Reporting Standard (CRS)

Panama has adopted CRS for the automatic exchange of account information, is a signatory of the Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement (MCAA), has adopted domestic implementing legislation, and exchanges information with a number of countries.ย 

FATCA

Panama has a FATCA Model 1 Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the United States for the automatic exchange of account information.ย 
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Panamaโ€™s territorial tax system offers a competitive environment with low rates and exemptions on foreign income, making it attractive for local and global stakeholders. While the country embraces international standards like CRS and FATCA, its simplicity and focus on local taxation provide significant benefits for businesses and residents alike. Overall, itโ€™s a tax-friendly destination with the infrastructure to support international investment.

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Panama's Tax System - Country Profile