Guyana VAT Guide: 12.5% Standard Rate 2026

Q: What is the penalty for late VAT filing?

Penalties vary depending on delay and company size. Interest on late payment accrues at the statutory rate.

Q: Are digital services subject to VAT in Guyana?

Yes. Digital services from non-residents to Guyanese consumers are subject to 12.5% VAT. Non-resident providers may need to register for VAT.

Guyana applies Value Added Tax (VAT) at a standard rate of 12.5%, a reduced rate of 0% on exports and certain basic goods, and exemptions for financial services, education, and healthcare. The VAT system is administered by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). Here is how Guyanese VAT works in 2026.

VAT in Guyana is governed by the VAT Act and is administered by the GRA. Businesses with annual taxable turnover exceeding GYD 15 million must register for VAT. Small businesses below this threshold may voluntarily register. VAT returns are filed monthly or quarterly depending on turnover. Guyana's standard rate of 12.5% is lower than many Caribbean peers — Jamaica 15%, Trinidad and Tobago 12.5% (standard), Barbados 17.5%. Corporate tax overview →

Real-world example: A Georgetown restaurant bills GYD 100,000 for a meal. VAT at 12.5% = GYD 12,500, total invoice GYD 112,500. An export sale of GYD 5,000,000 to a US customer is VAT-rated at 0%, allowing the exporter to reclaim input VAT on related costs. Basic food items such as bread, milk, and eggs are zero-rated. Cross-border VAT rules →

VAT Rates in Guyana

12.5% (standard rate): Most goods and services including retail, restaurants, professional services, electronics, clothing, and consumer goods
0% (zero rate): Exports of goods, international transport, certain basic food items (bread, milk, eggs, fresh produce), and supplies to approved international organizations
Exempt: Financial services (banking, insurance), education, healthcare, residential rentals, and postal services

The zero rate on basic food items helps reduce the tax burden on lower-income households. Exports are zero-rated to ensure Guyanese exporters are competitive internationally.

VAT Registration

Mandatory registration: Annual taxable turnover exceeds GYD 15 million
Voluntary registration: Businesses below the threshold may opt to register
Non-resident registration: Foreign businesses supplying taxable goods or services in Guyana must register
Group registration: Related entities may register as a VAT group

Registration is done through the GRA online portal. VAT numbers follow a standard format. Failure to register when required can result in penalties and back-tax assessments.

VAT Compliance and Filing

Filing frequency: Monthly for businesses with turnover above specified thresholds; quarterly for smaller businesses
Filing deadline: By the 15th of the following month (monthly filers) or by the 15th after the quarter ends (quarterly filers)
Payment deadline: Same as filing deadline — VAT due must be paid by the 15th
Electronic filing: VAT returns must be filed electronically through the GRA online portal
Records: Businesses must maintain VAT invoices, receipts, and accounting records for 6 years

Late filing incurs penalties. Late payment incurs interest at the statutory rate. The GRA conducts regular VAT audits.

VAT Invoicing

Guyana requires businesses to issue tax invoices for VAT-registered supplies. Key requirements:

Tax invoices must include seller/buyer details, VAT number, date, description, amount, VAT rate, and VAT amount
Simplified invoices are permitted for retail transactions below certain amounts
E-invoicing is encouraged but not yet mandatory
Invoice issuance must be in Guyanese Dollars (GYD). Foreign currency transactions must be converted at the official exchange rate

Can non-resident businesses reclaim Guyanese VAT?

Yes. Non-resident businesses not registered for VAT in Guyana may reclaim VAT incurred on business expenses through a refund procedure. Reciprocal arrangements apply for businesses from countries with mutual VAT refund agreements.

What is the penalty for late VAT filing?

Late VAT filing penalties vary depending on the delay and company size. Interest on late payment accrues at the statutory rate. Repeated violations may result in increased penalties.

Are digital services subject to VAT?

Yes. Digital services provided by non-resident companies to Guyanese consumers are subject to 12.5% VAT. Non-resident digital service providers may need to register for VAT in Guyana.