Income tax is one of the primary taxes in Guyana, applicable to individuals, businesses, and self-employed persons earning income within the country. Administered by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), income tax is collected through the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) system for employees and through Self Assessment Returns for self-employed persons and businesses. This guide covers everything you need to know about income tax in Guyana for 2026.
In This Guide
Official Forms & Downloads
- GRA Forms & Downloads Page Individual Income Tax Return (Form G0004), PAYE Return forms, and other tax forms (PDF format)
- GRA eServices Portal File your income tax return online, upload documents, and make electronic payments
- File a Return (Official Guide) GRA's official instructions for filing income tax and other returns
- GRA Income Tax Calculator Calculate your PAYE and income tax online using the official GRA calculator
Official GRA Links & Resources
Tools & Forms
Related Guides
Who Needs to File?
Income tax applies broadly in Guyana. The following persons are required to file income tax returns:
Income Tax Filing Requirements
PAYE System for Employees
Pay As You Earn (PAYE) is the system by which employers deduct income tax from their employees' salaries and wages at source and remit it directly to the GRA. This means most employees have their income tax obligations handled automatically through their payroll.
How PAYE Works
Employer Obligations
Employers must deduct PAYE from employee salaries according to the GRA's tax tables, remit the tax to the GRA by the 14th of the following month, and provide employees with annual statements showing total earnings and tax deducted. Employers must also file PAYE returns with the GRA.
Tax Rates & Brackets (2026)
Guyana operates a progressive income tax system with two tax brackets. As of 2026, the rates are as follows (reduced from the previous 28%/40% structure in 2025):
| Taxable Income (Annual) | Tax Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First GYD $3,360,000 | 25% | On taxable income above the personal allowance, up to $3,360,000 |
| Above GYD $3,360,000 | 35% | On all taxable income exceeding $3,360,000 |
2025 Rate Reduction
Effective from January 2025, the personal income tax rate was reduced from 28% to 25% on the first bracket and from 40% to 35% on the higher bracket. This means more take-home pay for all employed and self-employed taxpayers in Guyana.
Budget 2026: New Corporate Tax Exemptions
Budget 2026 introduced corporate tax exemptions for businesses in the following sectors:
- Agriculture and agro-processing businesses
- Childcare businesses
- Elderly care businesses
Qualifying businesses in these sectors may be eligible for full or partial exemption from corporate income tax. Contact the GRA or visit gra.gov.gy for eligibility details and application requirements.
Monthly Tax Calculation Example
| Item | Amount (GYD) |
|---|---|
| Monthly Gross Salary | $300,000 |
| Less: Personal Allowance (threshold of $140,000 > 1/3 of income) | -$140,000 |
| Less: NIS Contribution (5.6% of $280,000 ceiling) | -$15,680 |
| Taxable Income | $144,320 |
| Tax at 25% ($144,320 x 0.25) | $36,080 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $248,240 |
Note: This is a simplified example. Actual calculations may vary based on specific deductions, overtime, and other factors. Use the GRA Income Tax Calculator for precise figures.
Personal Allowance & Threshold
The personal allowance is the portion of your income that is not subject to income tax. In Guyana, the personal allowance is calculated as follows:
Personal Allowance Calculation
Important Note
The 1/3 personal allowance and the GYD $140,000 monthly threshold work together. If 1/3 of your monthly income is less than $140,000 (i.e., your salary is below $420,000/month), the $140,000 threshold applies. If 1/3 of your income exceeds $140,000, the higher 1/3 amount applies as your personal allowance.
Self-Employed Tax Obligations
Self-employed persons in Guyana have specific income tax obligations that differ from employed individuals:
Self-Employment Requirements
Filing Deadlines
| Taxpayer Type | Filing Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Individuals (Employed & Self-Employed) | April 30 | For the previous calendar year (Year of Assessment) |
| Companies | April 30 | For the previous financial year |
| Employer PAYE Returns | 14th of following month | Monthly remittance of employee PAYE deductions |
| Self-Employed Quarterly Payments | Quarterly | Advance tax payments due quarterly throughout the year |
Extensions
The GRA may grant extensions to filing deadlines in certain years. For example, in 2025 the deadline was extended to May 9, 2025. Always check the GRA website or contact their offices for any deadline extensions that may apply to your filing period.
Deductions & Allowances
Various deductions are available to reduce your taxable income in Guyana:
| Deduction | Details |
|---|---|
| Personal Allowance | 1/3 of income or GYD $1,680,000/year, whichever is greater |
| NIS Contributions | Employee NIS contributions (5.6%) are fully deductible |
| Overtime Income | First GYD $50,000 monthly overtime is tax-free |
| Second Job Income | First GYD $50,000 monthly from second job is tax-free |
| Business Expenses (Self-Employed) | Legitimate business costs: rent, utilities, materials, transport, etc. |
| Wear & Tear Allowance | Depreciation on business assets (machinery, equipment, vehicles) |
| Interest on Loans | Interest paid on loans used for income-generating purposes |
Keep Records
To claim any deduction, you must have supporting documentation. Keep all receipts, invoices, and records for at least 6 years. The GRA may request proof of any deductions claimed on your return during an audit.
How to File Your Return
Ensure You Have a TIN
You need a valid Taxpayer Identification Number to file any tax return. If you do not have one, apply at the GRA first. See our TIN Registration Guide.
Gather Your Income Documents
Collect all payslips, income statements from employers, business income records, bank statements, and receipts for any deductions you plan to claim. If employed, request your annual PAYE statement from your employer.
Obtain and Complete the Return Form
Download the Individual Income Tax Return form (Form G0004) from the GRA website or collect one from any GRA office. Complete all sections, declaring all sources of income and claiming applicable deductions.
Submit Your Return
File online via the GRA eServices portal (see below) or submit a paper return at any GRA office. If filing by paper, print, sign, and drop off at a GRA location. Electronic filing does not require a separate paper submission.
Pay Any Tax Due
If your return shows additional tax owed (beyond what was deducted through PAYE), pay the balance at a GRA office or through the eServices portal by the filing deadline.
GRA eServices Online Filing
The GRA provides a convenient online platform for filing income tax returns electronically.
GRA Padna Mobile App
Launched on January 28, 2025, the GRA's Padna mobile app gives taxpayers another convenient way to manage their income tax. The app includes an income tax calculator, the ability to file individual income tax returns, access to tax documents, and deadline alerts to help you stay on track. Padna is available for free on both iOS and Android devices.
Log In to eServices
Visit eservices.gra.gov.gy and log in with your credentials. If you do not have an account, register using your TIN and email address.
Navigate to Individual Income Tax Return
Once logged in, navigate to the Individual Income Tax Return section. Select the appropriate Year of Assessment for your filing.
Complete the Online Form
Fill in all income details, deductions, and allowances in the online form. The system will calculate your tax liability automatically based on the information you provide.
Upload Supporting Documents
Upload scanned copies of any supporting documents required with your return, such as payslips, business records, and receipts for deductions.
Submit and Confirm
Review your return for accuracy, then submit electronically. You will receive an email confirmation once the return is successfully submitted. No paper submission is required when filing online.
Penalties for Late Filing
| Offence | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Late filing of return | 10% of the tax assessed, plus 2% per month for late payment and 18% compound interest per annum on outstanding amounts |
| Failure to file a return | Penalties, interest, and potential prosecution |
| Late payment of tax | Interest charged on the outstanding balance from the due date |
| Understatement of income | Additional tax plus penalties and interest on the undeclared amount |
| Tax evasion | Severe financial penalties and criminal prosecution |
File On Time
Even if you cannot pay the full amount of tax due, file your return on time to avoid late filing penalties. You can then arrange a payment plan with the GRA for the outstanding balance. Penalties for late filing are separate from and in addition to penalties for late payment.
How to Pay
Payment Methods
Need a TIN or NIS Number?
Both your TIN and NIS number are essential for income tax filing. Make sure you have both before the filing deadline.
TIN Guide NIS GuideFrequently Asked Questions
What are the current income tax rates in Guyana?
As of 2026, the rates are 25% on the first GYD $3,360,000 of taxable income (above the personal allowance) and 35% on taxable income exceeding that amount. These rates were reduced from the previous 28%/40% in the 2025 budget.
What is the monthly income tax threshold?
The monthly income tax threshold is GYD $140,000, which translates to GYD $1,680,000 annually. Income up to this amount is not taxed. If one-third of your income exceeds this threshold, the higher amount applies as your personal allowance.
When must I file my income tax return?
Individual income tax returns are due by April 30 of the year following the income year. Company returns are due by April 30. The GRA may extend deadlines in some years, so check their website or contact them for current dates.
Can I file my tax return online?
Yes. The GRA eServices portal at eservices.gra.gov.gy allows you to file your Individual Income Tax Return electronically. Upload supporting documents and submit - no paper filing is needed when you use eServices.
Is overtime pay taxed in Guyana?
As of 2026, the first GYD $50,000 of monthly overtime pay is tax-free. Overtime income above $50,000 per month is added to your regular income and taxed at the normal rates. This is a relatively new benefit introduced in the 2025 budget.
Are NIS contributions deductible for income tax?
Yes. Your NIS contributions (5.6% for employees, 12.5% for self-employed) are fully deductible from your gross income when calculating income tax. This is applied automatically in the PAYE calculation for employees.
Do I need to file if my only income is from employment with PAYE?
If your only source of income is from a single employer who correctly deducts PAYE, and you have no additional deductions to claim, you may not need to file a separate return. However, if you have multiple employers, additional income sources, or wish to claim deductions, you should file a return.
What form do I use to file my income tax return?
Individuals use the Individual Income Tax Return form (Form G0004), available for download from the GRA website or at GRA offices. The same form can be completed online through the eServices portal.
How is tax on a second job calculated?
If you have a second job, the first GYD $50,000 of monthly income from that second job is tax-free (effective 2025). Income above $50,000 from the second job is added to your total income and taxed at the applicable rates. You should file a return to ensure correct tax treatment of multiple income sources.
What records should I keep for tax purposes?
Keep all payslips, income statements, business records, receipts for deductible expenses, bank statements, NIS contribution records, and copies of filed returns for a minimum of 6 years. The GRA may audit your returns and request supporting documentation at any time within this period.
Last updated: March 8, 2026. Income tax rates and thresholds may change with each national budget. Always verify current rates with the Guyana Revenue Authority. For general government services information, see our Government Services hub.