Property tax in Guyana has historically operated at two levels: a national property tax administered by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), and municipal rates and taxes levied by the Georgetown Mayor & City Council (M&CC) or Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs). As of Budget 2026, the GRA property tax has been abolished for individuals. Municipal rates and taxes from the M&CC and NDCs still apply to all property owners. This guide explains both systems, including the recent changes, and how they affect you as a property owner in Guyana.
In This Guide
Official Forms & Downloads
- GRA Forms & Downloads Page Property Tax Return form and Net Property Declaration form (PDF format)
- GRA eServices Portal File property tax returns online and make electronic payments
- Property Tax - Individuals (Official Guide) GRA's official property tax rates, thresholds, and filing requirements
- Georgetown M&CC Rates & Taxes Municipal rates information and payment options for Georgetown properties
Official Links & Resources
GRA Property Tax
Georgetown M&CC
Related Guides
Two Property Tax Systems in Guyana
It is important to understand that Guyana has two distinct property-related tax systems that may apply to property owners:
GRA Property Tax (National) — Abolished for Individuals
Municipal Rates & Taxes (Local)
Budget 2026 Update
As of Budget 2026, the GRA property tax for individuals has been abolished, effective from the year of income commencing January 1, 2025. Individual property owners now only need to pay municipal rates and taxes to their local M&CC or NDC. Companies may still be subject to GRA property tax - check with the GRA for current requirements.
GRA Property Tax (National) — Abolished for Individuals
Abolished in Budget 2026
The GRA property tax for individuals was abolished in Budget 2026. Individual property owners — both resident and non-resident — are no longer required to file a Property Tax Return or pay GRA property tax. Companies may still be subject to this tax; verify with the GRA.
The GRA property tax was a national wealth tax on individuals whose total net property exceeded the threshold of GYD $40,000,000. It was not limited to real estate — it covered all forms of property and assets. This tax has been removed for individuals as of Budget 2026. The information below is retained for historical reference and for companies that may still be subject to it.
Who Previously Had to Pay (Before Budget 2026)
Every individual (resident or non-resident) who possessed net property in excess of GYD $40,000,000 on December 31 of any year was required to submit a Property Tax Return and pay property tax. This requirement has been abolished for individuals. Companies should consult the GRA for current obligations.
GRA Property Tax Rates (Historical — No Longer Applies to Individuals)
The GRA property tax was calculated on a progressive scale based on total net property value. These rates no longer apply to individuals following Budget 2026. They are shown here for reference and may still apply to companies:
| Net Property Value (GYD) | Tax Rate | Tax Payable |
|---|---|---|
| First $40,000,000 | Nil | $0 |
| Next $20,000,000 ($40,000,001 - $60,000,000) | 0.5% (1/2%) | Up to $100,000 |
| Remainder (above $60,000,000) | 0.75% (3/4%) | 0.75% of amount above $60M |
Historical Reference: Threshold vs. Tax Bands
This no longer applies to individuals. Previously, individuals needed to file a return if their net property exceeded GYD $40,000,000, and the tax was calculated using the bands above. For example, net property of $80,000,000 would have resulted in tax of $250,000 ($0 on the first $40M + $100,000 on the next $20M at 0.5% + $150,000 on the remaining $20M at 0.75%). This obligation has been abolished for individuals in Budget 2026.
Calculating Net Property (Historical Reference)
Net property was the basis for the now-abolished GRA property tax for individuals. It is the amount by which the total value of all property owned by an individual at the end of the year (December 31) exceeds the total value of all debts owed by that person at the same date. Individuals no longer need to calculate or declare net property following Budget 2026. This section is retained for reference and for companies that may still require it.
Property Included in Calculation
Debts Deducted from Property
GRA Filing Requirements (No Longer Required for Individuals)
No Longer Required
Individuals are no longer required to file a GRA Property Tax Return following the abolition of the GRA property tax for individuals in Budget 2026. The steps below are retained for historical reference and for companies that may still have filing obligations.
Assess Your Net Property
At the end of each year (December 31), calculate the total value of all your property and subtract all debts. If the result exceeds GYD $40,000,000, you must file a Property Tax Return.
Obtain the Property Tax Return Form
Download the Property Tax Return form from the GRA website or collect one from any GRA office.
Complete the Return
Declare all property (immovable, movable, financial, and other assets) and all debts. Calculate your net property and the tax payable using the rates above.
Submit by April 30
File your Property Tax Return with the GRA by April 30 of the year following the assessment date. Submit online via eServices or at any GRA office.
Pay the Tax Due
Pay any property tax owed at the GRA office or through the eServices portal by the filing deadline. Keep your receipt as proof of payment.
Municipal Rates & Taxes
With the GRA property tax now abolished for individuals, municipal rates and taxes are the primary property-related tax obligation for property owners in Georgetown and other municipalities. These are paid to the local government authority and are based on the assessed valuation of the specific property, not on total net worth.
Who Pays Municipal Rates
All property owners within Georgetown (to the M&CC) and within NDC areas (to their local NDC) are required to pay rates and taxes on their properties. This applies regardless of the value of the property or the owner's total net worth.
Georgetown M&CC Rates
The Georgetown Mayor & City Council levies rates and taxes based on the assessed value of properties within the city. Rates vary by property type:
| Property Type | Rate (% of Assessed Value) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Property | 275% | Shops, offices, warehouses, business premises |
| Residential Property | 44% | Houses, apartments, residential lots |
| Institutional Property | 25% | Schools, community buildings, etc. |
About "Assessed Value"
The "assessed value" used for M&CC rates is the annual rental value of the property as determined by the Valuation Office - not the market sale price. The rate percentages above are applied to this assessed rental value. For example, a residential property with an assessed annual rental value of GYD $100,000 would pay $44,000 in rates (44% of $100,000).
Demand Notices and Payment Schedule
The M&CC sends demand notices to all property owners:
Payment Schedule
Property Valuation Process
Property valuations for rating purposes are conducted by the Valuation Office, which operates under the Ministry of Finance. The valuation determines the assessed value used to calculate municipal rates.
How Valuation Works
How to Pay
GRA Property Tax (Abolished for Individuals)
Individuals no longer need to pay GRA property tax following its abolition in Budget 2026. The payment methods below apply only to companies that may still owe this tax:
GRA Payment Methods (Companies Only)
Georgetown M&CC Rates & Taxes
M&CC Payment Methods
NDC Rates & Taxes
For properties outside Georgetown and other municipalities, pay your rates and taxes at your local Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) office. Contact your NDC for specific payment locations and methods.
Exemptions
Certain properties are exempt from municipal rates and taxes:
Properties Exempt from Municipal Rates
Discounts and Waivers
Property owners may approach the Town Clerk with a request and justification for a discount or waiver on their rates and taxes. Decisions are made on a case-by-case basis. This may apply in cases of hardship, property damage, or other exceptional circumstances.
Penalties for Non-Payment
| Issue | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Late payment of GRA property tax (companies only) | Interest and penalties on the outstanding amount from the due date. No longer applies to individuals after Budget 2026. |
| Failure to file GRA property tax return (companies only) | Penalties for late filing plus interest on any tax due. Individuals are no longer required to file after Budget 2026. |
| Outstanding M&CC rates and taxes | The M&CC may pursue legal action to recover outstanding amounts, including placing liens on properties |
| Prolonged non-payment of M&CC rates | Accumulation of arrears; property owners may be unable to obtain compliance certificates for transactions |
Enforcement Increasing
The Georgetown M&CC has announced intensified efforts to recover outstanding rates and taxes in 2026, targeting both private property owners and government agencies. Over 50% of Georgetown property owners have historically neglected rates and tax payments. The M&CC is actively pursuing these outstanding amounts to strengthen the municipality's finances and improve service delivery.
Contact Information
Guyana Revenue Authority
Georgetown Mayor & City Council
Need Help With Other Taxes?
Property tax is just one component of the tax system in Guyana. Check out our other tax guides for income tax, VAT, and TIN registration.
Income Tax Guide VAT GuideFrequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between GRA property tax and municipal rates?
GRA property tax was a national tax on individuals whose total net property exceeded GYD $40,000,000. It was abolished for individuals in Budget 2026. Municipal rates and taxes are local levies charged by the Georgetown M&CC or NDCs based on the assessed valuation of a specific property, payable by all property owners regardless of total net worth. Only municipal rates now apply to individuals.
Do I still need to pay property tax in Guyana?
The GRA property tax for individuals was abolished in Budget 2026 — individuals no longer need to file or pay this tax regardless of their net property value. However, you still owe municipal rates and taxes to your local M&CC or NDC on your property based on its assessed valuation. Companies may still be subject to GRA property tax.
How are Georgetown property rates calculated?
Georgetown M&CC calculates rates based on property type: commercial property at 275% of assessed annual rental value, residential property at 44%, and institutional property at 25%. The assessed value is determined by the Valuation Office on Camp Street, based on the estimated annual rental value of the property.
Where can I pay my property rates in Georgetown?
You can pay at City Hall (Treasurer's Tax Section) by cash or cheque. You can also use GTT's Mobile Money Guyana (mmg+) to pay rates and taxes from anywhere. Demand notices are sent at the beginning of the year and quarterly thereafter.
What did "net property" include for GRA property tax?
Net property included all forms of property: immovable property (houses, land), movable property (vehicles, jewellery, furniture), financial assets (bank accounts, investments, shares), rights (patents, trademarks), and cash. Total debts (mortgages, loans) were subtracted from the total. This calculation is no longer required for individuals following Budget 2026.
How does property tax differ from land rates?
"Property tax" historically referred to the GRA national property tax on net wealth, which has been abolished for individuals in Budget 2026. "Land rates" or "rates and taxes" refers to the municipal charges levied by the M&CC or NDCs based on property valuation — these still apply to all property owners.
Are any properties exempt from rates?
Yes. Properties exempt from municipal rates include places of worship (churches, mosques, temples), government schools, and public hospitals. Property owners may also apply to the Town Clerk for discounts or waivers in cases of hardship or exceptional circumstances.
What happens if I do not pay my property rates?
For M&CC rates, the council may pursue legal action, place liens on properties, and accumulate arrears. The M&CC is intensifying enforcement efforts in 2026 to recover outstanding rates from property owners. GRA property tax penalties no longer apply to individuals following Budget 2026.
Is the GRA property tax return still required?
No, not for individuals. The GRA property tax for individuals was abolished in Budget 2026. Individuals no longer need to file a Property Tax Return. Previously, returns were due by April 30 of the year following the assessment date. Companies should verify their obligations with the GRA.
Do non-residents pay property tax in Guyana?
Non-residents who own property in Guyana are no longer subject to GRA property tax following its abolition for individuals in Budget 2026. However, they are still subject to municipal rates and taxes on any properties they own within municipal or NDC areas.
Last updated: March 8, 2026. The GRA property tax for individuals was abolished in Budget 2026. Municipal rates and valuations may change. Always verify current rates with the Guyana Revenue Authority and the Georgetown M&CC before making decisions. For general government services information, see our Government Services hub.