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Registration and Authorization

Before conducting business locally, all corporations or limited liability companies must register at the Puerto Rico State Department.

Puerto Rico corporations are treated as foreign corporations for U.S. income tax purposes. If a U.S. corporation decides to establish its operations in Puerto Rico through a Puerto Rico subsidiary, the latter will not constitute part of the consolidated group for purposes of U.S. income tax returns, since a P.R. corporation is considered a foreign corporation for U.S. purposes.

A foreign corporation (one that is organized under the laws of a country other than Puerto Rico) may engage in business in Puerto Rico as a division or branch of that foreign corporation or as a separate corporation or subsidiary. Resident foreign corporations are taxed in Puerto Rico on their Puerto Rico source income and on any effectively connected income at the same graduated tax rates as any domestic corporation.

Estimated Income Tax Payments

A business operating in Puerto Rico may also be required to make the estimated income tax payments due on the fifteenth (15th) day of the fourth, sixth, ninth, and twelfth month of the taxable year, and penalties are imposed for underpayment of the estimated tax.

Annual Corporation reports

Corporations registered at the Department of State of Puerto Rico are required to file an annual corporation report on or before April 15th of every year.

Corporate Income Tax Return

All corporations (including branches) doing business in Puerto Rico are required to file an income tax return on or before the fifteenth (15th) day of the fourth month following the close of its taxable year. LLC must file on or before the fifteenth (15th) day of the third month following the close of its taxable year if it is taxed as a pass-through entity.

Group Identification Number

Every group of corporations that are members of a group of related entities shall request a Group Identification Number from the Department of the Treasury. The number must be included, in the space provided, in each of the corporate income tax returns filed by the members of the group. The form may only be filed electronically through the online services of the Treasury Department website.

Individual Tax

Residents of Puerto Rico are subject to federal income tax on their worldwide income. However, U.S. Code Section 933 permits a bona fide individual resident of Puerto Rico to exclude the Puerto Rico source of income from his gross income for U.S. tax purposes. The bona fide residence in Puerto Rico for income tax purposes is established through the three tests included in U.S. Code Section 937: (a) the presence test, (b) the tax home test, and (c) the closer connection test. Bona fide residents of Puerto Rico will be subject to U.S. income tax on income from sources outside Puerto Rico.

Individual residents of Puerto Rico whose gross income for the taxable year, net of exemptions, exceeds $5,000; or non-residents of Puerto Rico, and citizens of the United States, whose gross income from Puerto Rico sources for the taxable year, net of exemptions, exceeds $5,000, must file a Puerto Rico income tax return.

Self-employed persons in Puerto Rico are required to pay federal FICA taxes

If you have income that is effectively connected with a business in Puerto Rico, you must file a 1040PR with the IRS to report your self-employment income and, if necessary, pay self-employment tax.

Self-employed individuals must pay an estimated tax if they expect to owe at least $1,000 of Puerto Rico income tax or Federal tax, during the taxable year, after subtracting their withholdings and refundable credits. In order to create, promote and develop a strong cluster of industries that export products and services, the Government of Puerto Rico has implemented a series of unparalleled tax and operational advantages and incentives. Prospective investors and entrepreneurs can benefit from this unique program, especially from those areas regarding tax exemptions.

Acts 20 and 22 of this program stand out as pillars of the complete tax package. Exemptions included in Act 20, Export Services Act, cover three main areas. Businesses that export services can enjoy a 4% flat income tax rate on income related to such services. This rate may be reduced to 3% when more than 90% of the eligible business’s gross income is derived from export services and such services are considered “strategic services” as set forth under the Act.

In addition, eligible businesses will receive a 100% tax exemption on dividends derived from the export services income. They can also enjoy a 100% exemption on property taxes when they use local facilities as corporate headquarters, call centers, or shared service centers. This exemption extends for a five-year period, and a 90% exemption will apply thereafter for the remaining period of time covered by the Tax Exemption Decree.

The program also encourages non-residents doing business in Puerto Rico for the past 15 years to become bona fide residents. Act 22, Individual Investors Act, provides a 100% tax exemption from Puerto Rico Income Taxes on all dividends and interest. This exemption also applies to both short and long-term capital gains accrued after the individual becomes an official resident.

For more information on the program and eligibility requirements please contact us at Torres CPA Group. Puerto Rico has a lot to offer for businesses such as a professional environment and tax benefits, because of which thousands of foreign investors have set up their ventures here. This white paper has requirements and taxes information for use by non-residents on doing business in PR and making it their preferred investment destination.

Start Up New Business in Puerto Rico

A newly organized or registered business in Puerto Rico must comply with the requirements of different government agencies.

Requesting and Registering an Employer Identification Number

Every entity engaged in business in Puerto Rico must obtain a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by filing Form SS-4. Upon obtaining an EIN, the entity must file a copy of the certificate of incorporation, and a copy of Form SS-4 at the P.R. Department of Treasury.

Sale and Use Taxes

Every business (Merchant) in Puerto Rico must request a Merchant’s Registration with the Puerto Rico Treasury Department (PRTD). The application must be presented thirty (30) days before initiating business. Failure of timely registration may result in a $10,000 fine.

Municipal License Tax

When a new business is established, the semester in which it commences operations is generally exempt, provided that the business informs the Municipal Treasurer (within the first 30 days of operations) that it has established a business in the municipality. A tax return must be filed for the following semester annualizing the volume of business obtained during the first semester of operations. Semesters run from July 1 through December 31, and from January 1 through June 30.

Income Tax Withheld on Salaries and Wages

An employer is required to withhold income tax at source on the salaries and wages paid to employees performing services in Puerto Rico. The employer must register their employer’s identification number with the Puerto Rico Treasury Department within 30 days of initiating their employer’s status. Failure to comply will result in penalties. In addition, the salaries and wages will not be deductible for tax purposes, and the employer will be liable for the amount not withheld.

Withholding exemption certificate

Employers must complete and retain Form 499-R-4 for each employee. The information provided is the support and authorization for income tax withholding on payroll payments.

Workmen’s Accident Compensation Insurance

Workmen’s Compensation is a compulsory insurance policy that provides compensation for accidents incidental to or as a consequence of employment. The Puerto Rico State Insurance Fund Corporation provides this insurance. All employers are required to obtain it within 30 days of initiating operations.

Puerto Rico Unemployment, Disability Benefits, and Chauffeur’s Social Security Tax

Employers in Puerto Rico must register as an employer at the Department of Labor and Human Resources, and at the Bureau of Chauffeurs Social Security of Puerto Rico within 30 days of initiating operations.

Books and records

An entity engaged in business in Puerto Rico must keep and maintain accounting records and supporting documents. Such documents will clearly show the financial condition and results of operations in Puerto Rico.

Audited financial statements

A full set of audited financial statements (balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow) must accompany all the statutory reports if the gross volume of business is three million dollars or more. On the other hand, the Annual Corporate Report will only be accompanied by an audited balance sheet, certified by a Puerto Rico licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Sales and Use Taxes (SUT)

A Sale and Use Tax of eleven and a half percent (11.5%) (SUT) applies on sales of tangible personal property, taxable services, admission rights, and combined transactions, subject to certain exclusions and exemptions. Designated professional services and business-to-business services (B2B) are subject to a SUT of four percent (4%).

A merchant is required to collect said tax as a withholding agent responsible for the payment of the Sales and Use Tax. He is also required to file a Monthly Sales and Use Tax Return no later than the twentieth (20th) day of the following month in which the taxes were collected or in which the transaction subject to the tax took place.

Self-imposed IVU (reverse charge)

Applicable IVU will be Self-imposed by the business in Puerto Rico that receives the services from a non-resident or entity not engaged in trade or business in Puerto Rico. That business is responsible for sending the IVU payment to the Treasury Department with the Monthly Sale and Use Tax Return applicable to Services on or before the 20th of the next month after making the payment or receiving the services. Otherwise, you cannot claim the deduction as an expenditure for those services in the Income Tax Return.

Importers of tangible personal property and Use Taxes

Every person who imports tangible personal property by any means, including postal service or air carrier, subject to the use tax, must file a USE TAX RETURN ON IMPORTS by the tenth (10th) day of the month following the month in which the transaction subject to the tax takes place. The filing must be made electronically through the PICO (Merchant Integrated Site) system. This requirement does not apply to the municipal sales and use tax.

It is important that every business that imports and files declarations as part of the process for taking possession of the merchandise must be registered in the PICO (Merchant Integrated Site) system. To register with PICO, you must visit the PRTD web page www.hacienda.gobierno.pr and have an email address to create a personal user account. Businesses in Puerto Rico are normally subject to payment of municipal license taxes. For non-financial businesses, such tax may be as high as 0.5% (1/2 of 1%) of the volume of business (defined as gross receipts) received or accrued during the year. The maximum rate for a for-financial business is 1.5% on income from interest, rents, fees, profits, etc.

The municipal volume of business statements must be filed on or before the five (5) working days following April 15 of each year. These must reflect the volume of business obtained during the accounting year preceding the filing of the return. If the tax is paid at the time of filing the return on April 15, a discount of 5% is allowed.

The municipal license tax is payable in two installments due on July 15 and January 15, following the filing date.

If the taxpayer operates in more than one municipality, a breakdown of the volume of business by municipality must be prepared and attached to the forms. A separate form must be filed at each municipality in which business is conducted.

The Municipal License Tax Act imposes penalties for failure to file a complete tax return unless it is shown that such failure is due to reasonable causes and not by willful neglect. The merchant is subject to a five percent (5%) penalty of the amount of the municipal license taxes due. If this is not corrected within 30 days, an additional 5% for each additional 30 days or fraction will be added thereof during the time which such failure continues, not to exceed 25% in the aggregate. Business entities that on January 1 own personal property that is used to conduct business in Puerto Rico are subject to the personal property tax in the municipality where it is located, unless otherwise exempt. Such tax is computed on the net book value of taxable property, but some exemptions may apply. The maximum tax rate is 9.83% and varies depending on the municipality in which the taxable property is located. Taxable property normally includes cash on hand, inventories, materials and supplies, furniture and fixtures, and machinery and equipment used in the business. A minimum residual value is assigned to items that are substantially depreciated. Certain personal properties, including intangible properties, are exempt. The Municipal Revenue Collection Center (CRIM), however, understands that computer software is not exempt as intangible property.

A personal property tax return must be filed on or before May 15 of each year. A penalty of 5% per month up to a maximum of 25% is imposed for late filing of the return unless it is shown that failure to file is due to reasonable causes and not to willful neglect. Taxpayers with an expected personal property tax liability in excess of one thousand dollars ($1,000) are required to make estimated payments in four equal installments on or before the following dates: August 15, November 15, February 15, and May 15.

Withholding to Resident Recipients

Payments made by any person in business in excess of $1,500 to another person (individual or entity) for services performed within Puerto Rico are subject to a seven percent (7%) withholding. Any in-kind payment is considered a payment for these purposes. The amount withheld should be deposited at the Puerto Rico Treasury Department on or before the tenth (10th) day of the month following the close of the month in which the tax was deducted, subject to certain exclusions and exemptions. The amount withheld or deposited will be credited against their income tax liability.

Businesses should file an annual reconciliation statement for payments made to each service provider on or before February 28 of the following calendar year when the services were rendered. A copy of the statement, equivalent to US IRS form 1099, should be given to the service provider. Such statement must include: the provider’s name, address, E.I.N., telephone number, the amount received, and the corresponding tax withheld. Failure to comply with the withholdings or filing returns would make payments of the services none deductible for tax purposes, the merchant would be liable for the amount not retained, and could also result in penalties.

Withholding to Non-resident Recipients

A withholding of income tax at source is required to be made on payments to nonresidents to the extent that they constitute gross income from sources within Puerto Rico individuals, rates vary based on the provider’s tax status. The amount withheld should be deposited at the Puerto Rico Treasury Department on or before the fifteenth (15th) day of the month following the close of the month in which the tax was deducted. Failure to comply with the withholdings or filing returns would make payments of the services none-deductible for tax purposes, the merchant would be liable for the amount not retained, and could also result in penalties.

  1. Use and Maintenance of Vehicles
  2. Doctors and Agents’ Operation under a Corporation
  3. PR IRS Debt Payment Plans
  4. Pension Plan Deductions Limits
  5. Employee Reimbursement
  6. Mathematical Error in a Tax Return 


An employer is a person or organization for whom a worker performs services as an employee. Employers are required to withhold, report, and pay employment taxes on wages paid.

The definition of source employment income is generally treated as a Puerto Rican sourced compensation when the individual performs the services while physically located in Puerto Rico. The source is not determined by where the wages are paid from, but rather by where the services are performed.

An employer is subject to the reporting and withholding requirements covered under the Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) system. The United States provisions of the FICA or Social Security and Medicare requirements are applicable to Puerto Rico employers and employees as well. The employee tax must be withheld by the employer from the employee’s wages and is paid through deposits. Generally, an employer is a monthly depositor for the entire calendar year if the aggregate amount of employment taxes reported for the look-back period is $50,000 or less. Under the monthly deposit schedule, the FICA deposit is due by the fifteenth (15th) day of the following month.

The Federal Unemployment Tax Act provisions also apply in Puerto Rico. The tax is imposed on persons who employ one or more individuals for a portion of a day in each of 20 weeks in the current or preceding calendar year, or who pay in the aggregate $1,500 or more in wages within a calendar quarter of the current or preceding calendar year.

The FUTA tax liability is computed after credit for the Puerto Rico unemployment tax on the first $7,000 of wages paid to an employee each calendar year. No monthly deposit is required if the tax liability is $500 or less.

Final payment and return must be filed on January 31. An employer is required to withhold income tax at source on salaries and wages paid to its employees performing services in Puerto Rico. The withholding rates depend on the personal exemption and credits for dependents claimed in the Puerto Rico withholding exemption certificate, which each employee is required to complete. The Puerto Rico Treasury Department publishes tables that determine the amount of tax to be withheld.

Withheld taxes should be deposited monthly together with a monthly return (monthly deposit of income tax withheld). Unless withholdings have not exceeded $500.00, payment should be made along with an Employer’s Quarterly Return of Income Tax Withheld return, on or before April 30, July 31, October 31 and January 31 of each year. If withholding for the look back (prior 12 months ended June 30) period is over $50,000, deposits should be made semi-weekly.

The Puerto Rico equivalent of the U.S. Form W2 is the 499R2/W2PR (Withholding Statement) and must be filed for each employee.

An Annual reconciliation statement of Form 499R2/W2PR and tax withheld should be filed to the Puerto Rico Treasury Department on or before January 31 of each year.

Form W3PR shall be filed with the Social Security Administration no later than the last day of February following the end of the calendar year for which the withholding was performed, including the 499R2/W2PR Form. Each employer must pay the Puerto Rico Unemployment tax on the first $7,000 of annual wages paid and may be credited against the Federal Unemployment tax. The tax is to be paid quarterly on the last day of the calendar month following each calendar quarter payable to the Secretary of the Treasury of Puerto Rico. Disability Insurance tax is imposed on the first $9,000 of wages and salaries paid during the calendar year. This provides compensation to workers for loss of salaries resulting from disability caused by sickness or accident not related to their employment. Both employer and employee share the tax burden evenly.

Employees subject to the Chauffeur Social Security Tax are not subject to this tax. This tax should be paid in the same manner as the Unemployment Tax; however, a private plan may substitute it. If the employer hires non-executive employees who are required or permitted to operate motor vehicles as an integral and regular part of their jobs, the chauffeur’s social security must be paid in lieu of the Puerto Rico Disability Insurance Tax.

Quarterly returns are required to be filed no later than the fifteenth (15th) day after the last day of each calendar quarter, payable to the Puerto Rico Secretary of the Department of Labor and Human Resources, Bureau of Chauffeurs Social Security. Workmen’s Compensation Insurance provides compensation for accidents incidental to or as a consequence of employment. This is compulsory insurance that is obtained from the Puerto Rico State Insurance Fund Corporation.

All employees of a business, including executive officers, are required to be covered by this insurance. Generally, it is paid in two installments upon notice mailed to the employer by the State Insurance Fund.

Businesses are required to file, no later than July 20 of every year, indicating the number of employees, occupation, and the wages paid during the preceding July 1 to June 30. Employers must pay bonuses to all employees who have worked more than 700 hours during the 12-month qualifying period starting on October 1 of each year and ending on September 30 of the following year (“qualified employees”).

Employers with up to 15 employees have to pay their qualified employees a bonus equal to 3.00% of the employee’s earned wages during the qualifying period, up to $10,000 of wages (maximum bonus of $300). Employers with 16 or more employees have to pay their qualified employees a bonus equal to 6.00% of the employee’s earned wages during the qualifying period, up to $10,000 of wages (maximum bonus of $600). The total amount of bonuses required to be paid by an employer will not exceed 15% of its profits derived during the qualifying period.

The Christmas Bonus must be paid to employees between December 1 and December 15 of the current year.