Guyana Investment Income Guide: Dividends 20%, Interest 15%, Royalties 10% 2026
Guyana applies withholding taxes on investment income paid to non-residents: dividends at 20%, interest at 15%, and royalties at 10%. Double Taxation Treaties (CARICOM, UK, Canada) may reduce these rates. Here is how investment income is taxed in 2026.
The taxation of investment income in Guyana distinguishes between resident and non-resident recipients. Residents may receive dividends and interest with reduced or zero withholding in certain circumstances. Non-residents face withholding tax at rates specified in domestic law (subject to treaty reduction). The GRA administers withholding tax obligations — the payer is responsible for withholding and remitting the tax. Cross-border tax guide →
Real-world example: A Guyanese company pays GYD 5,000,000 in dividends to a non-resident shareholder. WHT at 20% = GYD 1,000,000, net payment = GYD 4,000,000. If the shareholder is resident in a treaty country (e.g., Canada with a 15% treaty rate), the WHT would be GYD 750,000, net = GYD 4,250,000. Interest of GYD 2,000,000 paid to a non-resident lender: WHT 15% = GYD 300,000. Corporate tax overview →
Withholding Tax Rates on Investment Income
- Dividends — residents: Generally exempt from WHT for resident companies; resident individuals may have tax withheld at source
- Dividends — non-residents: 20% WHT — may be reduced under applicable DTT
- Interest — non-residents: 15% WHT — may be reduced under applicable DTT
- Royalties — non-residents: 10% WHT — may be reduced under applicable DTT
The 20% dividend WHT on non-residents is moderate by regional standards. Interest and royalty rates are competitive.
Double Taxation Treaty Network
Guyana's DTT network is limited but provides relief:
- Dividends: Treaty rates typically range from 10% to 15% (compared to 20% domestic)
- Interest: Treaty rates typically 10-12% (compared to 15% domestic)
- Royalties: Treaty rates typically 5-10% (compared to 10% domestic)
Treaty benefits require the recipient to be the beneficial owner and provide a Certificate of Tax Residency from the treaty jurisdiction. Guyana's treaty network includes CARICOM members, the UK, and Canada.
Taxation of Other Investment Income
- Bank interest: Interest on savings accounts and deposits earned by residents is generally not subject to withholding tax. Non-residents may be subject to 15% WHT
- Government bonds: Interest on Guyanese government securities may have specific tax treatment
- Capital gains on investments: 0% CGT for individuals on shares and securities
Compliance and Reporting
Guyanese companies paying dividends, interest, or royalties to non-residents must withhold the appropriate tax and remit it to the GRA within the prescribed timeframe. The payer must also file an annual withholding tax return. Recipients seeking treaty relief must provide: a Certificate of Tax Residency from their home country tax authority, a declaration of beneficial ownership, and any other documentation required by the GRA. Failure to withhold correctly results in the payer being liable for the unpaid tax plus penalties.
What is the procedure for claiming treaty relief?
The non-resident recipient must submit a Treaty Relief Application to the Guyanese payer, along with a Certificate of Tax Residency from their home country. The payer then applies the reduced rate at source. If tax has been over-withheld, the non-resident can file a refund claim with the GRA.