Tax Filing and Compliance in Guinea-Bissau
Understanding tax filing requirements and deadlines is essential for staying compliant in Guinea-Bissau. This guide covers the key filing obligations for individuals and businesses operating in Guinea-Bissau.
Tax Year
The tax year in Guinea-Bissau runs from January 1 to December 31. Tax returns must be filed by April 30 of the following year for both individuals and corporations.
Individual Tax Filing
Who Must File?
- Resident individuals with total income exceeding 1,200,000 XOF per year
- Self-employed individuals and sole proprietors regardless of income level
- Non-residents with Guinea-Bissau-source income
- Individuals with income subject to withholding tax who wish to claim a refund
Filing Methods
- Online Filing: Via the Direcção Geral das Contribuições e Impostos (DGCI) portal (mandatory for taxpayers with income over 5,000,000 XOF)
- Paper Filing: Accepted for small taxpayers, filed at the local tax office
- Simplified Regime: For self-employed individuals with turnover below 10,000,000 XOF
Required Information
- Personal identification (NIF, passport, address)
- Employment income (certificates from employers)
- Business income (profit and loss statement)
- Investment income (dividends, interest statements)
- Rental income (lease agreements, expense records)
- Deductions and allowances (receipts, certificates)
- Bank statements
Corporate Tax Filing
Who Must File?
- All resident companies
- Foreign companies with a permanent establishment in Guinea-Bissau
- Associations and organizations engaged in commercial activities
Required Documents
- Annual financial statements (balance sheet, income statement, notes)
- Tax computation showing adjustments
- Depreciation schedule
- List of shareholders and directors
- Transfer pricing documentation (if applicable)
- Audit report (if required by law or threshold)
VAT Filing
- Filing Frequency: Monthly
- Due Date: 15th day of the following month
- Method: Online filing through the tax portal
- Content: Output VAT, input VAT, net VAT payable or refundable
Withholding Tax Filing
Companies must file monthly withholding tax returns by the 15th day of the following month, detailing:
- PAYE tax withheld from employee salaries
- Withholding tax on dividends, interest, and royalties
- Withholding tax on payments to non-residents
Payment Methods
- Bank Transfer: To designated tax collection accounts
- Online Payment: Via the tax portal (for registered taxpayers)
- Direct Payment: At the tax office or authorized banks
- Instalment Payments: Quarterly advance payments for corporate tax and self-employed individuals
Penalties and Interest
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Late filing | 10% of tax due + 1% per month |
| Late payment | 0.5% per month |
| Understatement | 25% of understated tax |
| Fraud | 100% of tax evaded + criminal |
| Failure to register | 200,000 XOF fine |
Tax Audits
The Guinea-Bissau tax authorities conduct desk audits and field audits. Statute of limitations is 4 years (7 years in cases of fraud). Taxpayers selected for audit must provide requested documentation within 15 days. Appeals against tax assessments must be filed within 60 days.