Guyana Rental Income Guide: Flat 28% PIT Rate, Deductions 2026
Rental income from property in Guyana is taxed as personal income at the flat 28% PIT rate. Landlords can deduct expenses such as maintenance, management fees, insurance, and mortgage interest from rental income. Short-term rentals (Airbnb-style) are subject to the same rules. Here is how rental income taxation works in 2026.
Rental income taxation in Guyana is governed by the Income Tax Act. Rental income is included in the individual's total taxable income, subject to the flat 28% PIT rate after the GYD 100,000/month tax-free threshold. The GRA requires landlords to declare rental income and pay tax accordingly. Personal income tax rates →
Real-world example: A landlord in Georgetown earns GYD 300,000 per month in rental income. Total annual rental income: GYD 3,600,000. Allowable deductions (maintenance, insurance, management): GYD 600,000. Net taxable rental income: GYD 3,000,000 (GYD 250,000/month). PIT: 0% on GYD 100K/month = GYD 0, 28% on GYD 150K/month = GYD 42,000/month. Annual tax: GYD 504,000. Effective tax rate: 14% of gross rental income. Property tax and transfer fees →
Taxation of Rental Income
- Residential rentals: Income from leasing residential property is taxed at flat 28% PIT rate
- Commercial rentals: Income from commercial and industrial property is taxed at the same rate
- Short-term rentals (Airbnb): Income from tourism accommodation is taxed under the same rules
- Corporate landlords: Companies earning rental income pay CIT at 25% (or reduced rates for small businesses)
Rental income is generally treated as passive income. However, if the landlord is substantially engaged in property management (multiple properties, active management), the activity may be classified as business income.
Allowable Deductions
Landlords can deduct the following expenses from gross rental income:
- Maintenance and repairs: Costs of keeping the property in habitable condition
- Management fees: Fees paid to property management companies
- Insurance premiums: Property insurance, liability insurance
- Mortgage interest: Interest payments on loans used to purchase or improve the rental property
- Utilities: Water, electricity, gas if paid by landlord (not passed to tenant)
- Depreciation: Buildings may be depreciated at standard rates
- Professional fees: Legal and accounting fees related to the rental activity
- Property taxes: Annual property tax and other local charges
Deductions must be supported by proper documentation (invoices, receipts, contracts). The GRA may request evidence during tax audits.
Registration and Compliance
- Tax registration: Landlords must register as a taxpayer with the GRA if not already registered
- Rental contract: Written rental contracts are recommended
- VAT consideration: Residential rental is generally exempt from VAT. Commercial rental may be subject to VAT if the landlord is VAT-registered
- Annual filing: Rental income must be declared in the annual personal tax return filed by April 30
Non-compliance can result in penalties and back-tax assessments. The GRA may compare declared rental income with information from utility companies and property registries.
Is there a withholding tax on rental payments?
No. Rental payments from tenants to landlords are not subject to withholding tax in Guyana. Tenants do not need to deduct or remit any tax. The landlord is responsible for declaring and paying the tax on rental income.
Can rental losses be offset against other income?
Yes. If allowable deductions exceed rental income (creating a rental loss), the loss may generally be offset against other income in the same tax year, subject to anti-avoidance rules.