Value Added Tax (VAT) is a consumption tax levied on the supply of goods and services in Guyana. Introduced on January 1, 2007, under the Value-Added Tax Act, VAT is administered by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA). If you operate a business in Guyana, understanding your VAT obligations is essential. This guide explains who must register, how to file, and how to stay compliant.
In This Guide
Official Forms & Downloads
- GRA Forms & Downloads Page VAT Registration Application form and VAT Return forms (PDF format)
- GRA eServices Portal Online VAT registration, monthly VAT return filing, and electronic payment
- VAT Registration (Official Guide) GRA's official VAT registration requirements and process
- Zero-Rated & Exempt Items List Official GRA schedules of zero-rated and exempt goods and services
Official GRA Links & Resources
Tax Information
Related Guides
What is VAT?
Value Added Tax (VAT) is a broad-based consumption tax assessed on the value added to goods and services at each stage of production and distribution. In Guyana, VAT is charged at a standard rate of 14% on the taxable supply of goods and services made by a registered person in the course of their business. Some supplies are zero-rated (taxed at 0%) while others are completely exempt from VAT.
VAT replaced the previous Consumption Tax and was introduced to create a more efficient and transparent tax system. As a registered business, you collect VAT from your customers (output tax) and pay VAT on your business purchases (input tax), remitting the difference to the GRA.
How VAT Works
VAT is charged at each stage of the supply chain, but only on the "value added" at each stage. As a registered business, you charge VAT on your sales (output tax) and can claim credit for the VAT you paid on business-related purchases (input tax). You remit the net amount (output tax minus input tax) to the GRA each month.
Who Must Register for VAT?
VAT registration is mandatory for any person or business conducting a taxable activity in Guyana when the value of that activity reaches a specified threshold.
Mandatory Registration Threshold
Failure to Register
If your taxable turnover exceeds the threshold and you fail to register for VAT within the required timeframe, you will be deemed to have been registered from the date you should have registered. This means you will be liable for VAT on all taxable supplies made from that date, plus penalties and interest for late registration.
Voluntary Registration
Businesses whose taxable turnover is below the GYD $15,000,000 threshold may still choose to register for VAT voluntarily. There are several reasons why a business might consider voluntary registration:
Benefits of Voluntary Registration
Consider Carefully
Voluntary registration means you must comply with all VAT obligations, including charging VAT on your supplies, filing monthly returns, and maintaining proper records. If most of your customers are end consumers (not businesses), adding 14% to your prices may make your products or services less competitive. Consult with a tax advisor before voluntarily registering.
Registration Process
Follow these steps to register for VAT with the Guyana Revenue Authority:
Obtain a TIN First
You must have a valid Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) before you can register for VAT. If you do not have a TIN, apply for one at the GRA first. See our TIN Registration Guide for details.
Gather Your Documents
Collect your TIN certificate, business registration documents, financial records showing your turnover, valid identification, and proof of business address. See the full list of required documents below.
Complete the VAT Registration Form
Obtain and fill out the VAT Registration Application form at any GRA office or download it from the GRA website. Provide accurate business details, including your expected taxable turnover and the nature of your business activities.
Submit Your Application
Submit the completed form and supporting documents to the GRA VAT Division at the GRA headquarters in Georgetown or at any regional integrated tax office. You can also submit through the GRA eServices portal online.
Receive Your VAT Registration Certificate
Once the GRA processes and approves your application, you will receive a VAT registration certificate with your VAT registration number. Display this certificate prominently at your place of business. You must begin charging VAT from your effective date of registration.
Required Documents
VAT Registration Documents
Filing VAT Returns
Once registered, you are required to file VAT returns and remit any VAT payable to the GRA on a monthly basis.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Filing Frequency | Monthly |
| Due Date | By the 21st day of the month following the end of the tax period |
| Filing Method | Online via GRA eServices portal or paper submission at GRA offices |
| Payment | Net VAT payable must be remitted by the same due date as the return |
| Record Keeping | All VAT records must be kept for a minimum of 6 years |
Filing Even With Zero Activity
You must file a VAT return for every tax period, even if you had no taxable supplies or no VAT to pay during that period. This is called a "nil return." Failure to file, even a nil return, can result in penalties.
Calculating VAT
The amount of VAT you owe to the GRA each month is calculated by subtracting your input tax from your output tax:
VAT Calculation Formula
Calculation Example
| Item | Amount (GYD) |
|---|---|
| Total Sales for the Month | $5,000,000 |
| Output Tax (14% of $5,000,000) | $700,000 |
| Total Business Purchases for the Month | $3,000,000 |
| Input Tax (14% of $3,000,000) | $420,000 |
| Net VAT Payable ($700,000 - $420,000) | $280,000 |
Valid Tax Invoices Required
You can only claim input tax credits on purchases supported by valid tax invoices. A valid tax invoice must include the supplier's name, address, TIN, VAT registration number, the date, a description of the goods or services, the amount charged, and the VAT amount separately stated. Keep all invoices for at least 6 years.
Zero-Rated vs Exempt Items
Not all goods and services are subject to the standard 14% VAT rate. Some are "zero-rated" (taxed at 0%) and others are completely "exempt" from VAT. The distinction is important because it affects your input tax credits.
Zero-Rated Supplies (0% VAT)
Exempt Supplies (No VAT)
Key Difference
Zero-rated: You charge 0% VAT but can still claim input tax credits on your business purchases. Exempt: You do not charge VAT and cannot claim input tax credits on purchases related to exempt supplies. This distinction is important for your VAT calculations and cash flow.
Budget 2026: Corporate Tax Exemptions
In addition to the VAT changes above, Budget 2026 removed corporate tax for businesses operating in agriculture and agro-processing, childcare, and elderly care. These sector-specific incentives are designed to stimulate growth in food production, family support services, and senior care.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
The GRA takes VAT compliance seriously. Various penalties apply for non-compliance with VAT obligations:
| Offence | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Failure to register when required | Liable for VAT from the date registration was required, plus penalties and interest |
| Late filing of VAT return | A fixed penalty for each month or part of a month the return is late |
| Late payment of VAT | Interest charged on the outstanding amount from the due date until payment |
| Failure to issue tax invoices | Penalties and potential deregistration |
| Charging VAT when not registered | Penalties and legal action |
| Failure to keep proper records | Penalties and potential prosecution |
| Fraudulent claims or evasion | Severe financial penalties and criminal prosecution |
Avoid Penalties
The best way to avoid penalties is to register on time, file your returns by the 21st of each month, pay any VAT due promptly, maintain accurate records, and issue proper tax invoices for all taxable supplies. If you are struggling with compliance, seek help from the GRA or a qualified tax professional.
Online Filing (GRA eServices)
The GRA offers online VAT return filing through their eServices portal, making it convenient to file and pay from anywhere with an internet connection.
Create or Log In to Your eServices Account
Visit eservices.gra.gov.gy and create an account if you do not already have one. You will need your TIN and VAT registration number.
Navigate to VAT Returns
Once logged in, navigate to the VAT return filing section. Select the relevant tax period for which you are filing.
Complete the VAT Return Form
Enter your output tax (VAT collected on sales), input tax (VAT paid on purchases), and any adjustments. The system will calculate your net VAT payable or refundable.
Submit and Make Payment
Review your return for accuracy, then submit electronically. Make payment of any VAT due through the available payment methods. Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for your records.
eServices Benefits
Filing online through the GRA eServices portal is faster and more convenient than paper filing. It also provides an electronic record of your submissions and reduces the risk of errors. The GRA encourages all VAT-registered businesses to use eServices for filing and payment.
Need a TIN First?
A TIN is required before you can register for VAT. If you do not have one yet, start with our TIN registration guide.
TIN Registration GuideFrequently Asked Questions
What is the VAT rate in Guyana?
The standard VAT rate in Guyana is 14%, charged on the taxable supply of goods and services. Some items are zero-rated (0%) and others are exempt from VAT entirely. The rate has been 14% since VAT was introduced in 2007.
Who must register for VAT?
Any person or business with taxable turnover of GYD $15,000,000 or more in any 12-month period must register for VAT. You must apply within 21 days of the end of the month in which you exceeded the threshold. Businesses below the threshold may register voluntarily.
How often do I file VAT returns?
VAT returns must be filed monthly. The return and any payment due are due by the 21st day of the month following the end of the tax period. For example, the return for January is due by February 21st. You must file even if you have no taxable activity (nil return).
Can I register for VAT if I am below the threshold?
Yes, you can register voluntarily even if your taxable turnover is below GYD $15,000,000. Voluntary registration allows you to claim input tax credits on business purchases. However, you will be required to comply with all VAT obligations, including charging VAT, filing monthly returns, and maintaining records.
What is the difference between zero-rated and exempt supplies?
Zero-rated supplies are taxed at 0% but the supplier can still claim input tax credits on related business purchases. Exempt supplies are not subject to VAT at all, and the supplier cannot claim input tax credits on purchases related to exempt supplies. The distinction affects your ability to recover VAT paid on inputs.
What records must I keep for VAT?
You must keep all records relating to your VAT obligations for a minimum of 6 years. This includes sales and purchase invoices, tax invoices issued and received, import documentation, bank statements, accounting records, and copies of all VAT returns filed.
Can I get a refund if my input tax exceeds my output tax?
Yes. If your input tax exceeds your output tax in a given period (for example, if you made significant business purchases or your sales were mainly zero-rated), you may be entitled to a VAT refund or carry the credit forward to offset against future VAT liabilities. Apply through the GRA for refunds.
Do I need to display my VAT registration certificate?
Yes. Your VAT registration certificate must be displayed prominently at your principal place of business. Your VAT registration number must also appear on all tax invoices you issue.
What happens if I charge VAT but am not registered?
Charging VAT when you are not registered is an offence under the Value-Added Tax Act. Any person who falsely collects VAT is subject to penalties and legal action by the GRA. Only registered businesses may charge and collect VAT.
Can I deregister for VAT?
You may apply for deregistration if your taxable turnover falls below the threshold and you expect it to remain below the threshold. Contact the GRA to discuss deregistration. Note that you cannot deregister during the first 12 months of registration.
What VAT changes were introduced in Budget 2026?
Budget 2026 removed VAT on locally made furniture (doors, beds, mouldings), locally manufactured jewellery, and security equipment including cameras and alarm systems. VAT was also removed on vehicles below 1500cc (under 4 years old) and hybrid vehicles below 2000cc. All import duties and taxes were eliminated on ATVs and outboard engines up to 150 horsepower. Additionally, VAT on fertilisers, agrochemicals, pesticides, and farming/mining machinery was removed. These measures took effect from February 2026.
Budget 2026 also introduced corporate tax exemptions for businesses in agriculture and agro-processing, childcare, and elderly care sectors. While not VAT-related, these corporate tax removals are part of the same package of Budget 2026 tax relief measures.
Last updated: April 1, 2026. VAT rates, thresholds, and zero-rated/exempt item lists may change. Always verify current requirements with the Guyana Revenue Authority before making business decisions. For the complete list of zero-rated and exempt items, consult the official GRA schedules. For general government services information, see our Government Services hub.