SAT has begun to notify vacation rental owners on the AIRBNB platform so that they can regularize their tax situation and has automatically registered other taxpayers who did not have affiliation in any tax regime.
Background:
The SAT revealed that many owners are not adequately declaring the income obtained from their rentals. More than 7,200 properties in Guatemala were rented without the corresponding registration, resulting in undeclared income exceeding 866 million quetzales. To combat this situation, the SAT has implemented strict measures and is collaborating with international tax authorities.
Possible Violations and Sanctions:
Significant Fines: Taxpayers may face fines ranging from 50% to 100% of the unreported amount.
Legal Sanctions: In addition to fines, taxpayers may be subject to criminal sanctions depending on the magnitude of the tax evasion.
Recommendations:
Report All Income: It is crucial that owners record and report all income earned through platforms like Airbnb by Vacation Rental Management.
Maintain Accurate Records: Keep a detailed and up-to-date record of all transactions.
Seek Tax Advice: Consider obtaining professional tax advice to ensure proper compliance with tax obligations.
Steps to Comply with Tax Regulations
Registration with the SAT: Make sure you are duly registered as a taxpayer with the SAT. This is the first step to ensure tax compliance.
Issuance of Invoices: It is mandatory to issue invoices for each rental made. Not only is this a legal obligation, but it also builds trust and transparency with your customers.
Income Declaration: All income obtained from renting your property must be declared to the SAT. Keep detailed records of all transactions to facilitate this process.
Conclusion
Complying with tax obligations is essential to operate legally in the short-term rental market. By following these steps, you will not only avoid sanctions, but you will also contribute to a more transparent and non-speculative market and you will be able to compete with the same rules with the rest of the market participants. If you have any questions or need assistance in meeting these requirements, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Comments