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Guyana Corporate Tax Guide: CIT 25%, Small Business 0%/10% 2026

Guyana's Corporate Income Tax (CIT) regime features a standard rate of 25%. Small businesses with annual turnover below GYD 15 million pay 0% CIT for the first 3 years of operations and 10% thereafter. The oil and gas sector, driving Guyana's economic boom, operates under a separate production-sharing agreement framework. Here is how Guyanese corporate tax works in 2026.

Corporate Income Tax in Guyana is governed by the Income Tax Act and administered by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). The standard CIT rate of 25% applies to all companies. Guyana offers competitive incentives for small businesses and strategic sectors. The tax year is the calendar year. Companies must file annual CIT returns by April 30 of the following year. Filing and compliance guide →

Real-world example: A Georgetown-based retail company with annual turnover of GYD 100 million and taxable profit of GYD 20 million pays CIT at 25% = GYD 5,000,000. A small bakery with GYD 10 million turnover in its first year pays 0% CIT. In its fourth year, the same bakery pays 10% on taxable profit. Compare this to Trinidad and Tobago where CIT is 30% for non-energy companies and 35% for energy, or Barbados at 28% standard. IT and business incentives →

Corporate Tax Rate Structure

  • 25% (standard): All companies except small businesses and specific sectors
  • 0% (small business — first 3 years): Annual turnover below GYD 15 million — full CIT exemption for first 3 years of operations
  • 10% (small business — after 3 years): Annual turnover below GYD 15 million — reduced rate after initial exemption period
  • Oil and gas: Taxed under production-sharing agreements with the government, generally including CIT and additional profit share

Small business rates apply to companies meeting specific criteria including turnover thresholds and registration requirements. Companies must maintain proper records and file returns to benefit from the reduced rates. The 0% and 10% rates are designed to support entrepreneurship and formalize the economy.

Taxable Income and Deductions

Corporate taxable income is calculated as accounting profit adjusted for tax purposes. Key rules include:

  • Depreciation: Standard rates apply — buildings 5%, plant and machinery 12.5-20%, vehicles 20%, computers 33.3%
  • Interest deductibility: Thin capitalization rules limit interest deductions in certain cases
  • Loss carryforward: Tax losses can be carried forward for up to 5 years (with limitations)
  • Dividend deduction: Dividends received from Guyanese resident companies may be exempt from CIT under certain conditions
  • Capital gains: Corporate capital gains are treated as ordinary income and taxed at the standard CIT rate

Transfer pricing rules apply for transactions with related parties. Documentation requirements follow OECD guidelines. Guyana has a formal tax ruling system. Cross-border taxation →

Withholding Taxes on Outbound Payments

Guyana imposes withholding tax on certain payments to non-residents:

  • Dividends: 20% WHT (paid to non-residents; residents may be exempt or subject to lower rates)
  • Interest: 15% WHT (paid to non-residents)
  • Royalties: 10% WHT (paid to non-residents; varies by treaty)

WHT rates may be reduced under Guyana's Double Taxation Treaties (CARICOM members, UK, Canada). Investment income guide →

Tax Incentives and Exemptions

Guyana offers various incentives to attract investment:

  • Small business relief: 0% CIT for first 3 years, then 10% for businesses with turnover under GYD 15M
  • Oil and gas: Production-sharing contracts with favorable terms; exploration costs are deductible
  • Manufacturing: Tax holidays and duty exemptions for qualifying manufacturing enterprises
  • Hotel and tourism: Special incentives for hotel construction and tourism development
  • Export enterprises: Tax concessions for non-traditional exports

Incentives typically require prior approval, minimum investment thresholds, and compliance with specific conditions. IT sector-specific incentives →

Who needs to register for CIT in Guyana?

All legal entities (companies, partnerships, branches of foreign entities) must register for CIT with the GRA. Registration is required before starting business operations. Non-resident companies with a permanent establishment in Guyana are also subject to CIT on Guyana-source income.

What is the filing deadline for corporate tax?

Annual CIT returns must be filed by April 30 of the following year. Tax is paid in quarterly installments during the year based on estimated current year income, with a final settlement upon filing. Late filing penalties apply.

Are there any regional taxes in Guyana?

No. Guyana has a unitary tax system with no regional or municipal corporate taxes. The 25% CIT is the only corporate-level tax. There is no trade tax, business tax, or local surcharge on corporate profits. No exchange controls apply.

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