DBI Chile 2017
DBI Chile 2017
DBI Chile 2017
2017
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DOING BUSINESS IN
CHILE
ARGENTINA
FEBRUARY 2017
JANUARY 2013
DOING BUSINESS IN CHILE 2017
INTRODUCTION
This publication has been prepared by the International Bureau of Fiscal Documen-
tation (IBFD) on behalf of BDO Member Firms and their clients and prospective cli-
ents. Its aim is to provide the essential background information on the taxation
aspects of setting up and running a business in this country. It is of use to anyone who
is thinking of establishing a business in this country as a separate entity, as a branch
of a foreign company or as a subsidiary of an existing foreign company. It also covers
the essential background tax information for individuals considering coming to work
or live permanently in this country.
This publication covers the most common forms of business entity and the taxation
aspects of running or working for such a business. For individual taxpayers, the
important taxes to which individuals are likely to be subject are dealt with in some
detail. We have endeavoured to include the most important issues, but it is not fea-
sible to discuss every subject in comprehensive detail within this format. If you
would like to know more, please contact the BDO Member Firm(s) with which you
normally deal. Your adviser will be able to provide you with information on any
further issues and on the impact of any legislation and developments subsequent to
the date mentioned at the heading of each chapter.
About BDO
BDO is an international network of public accounting, tax and advisory firms
which perform professional services under the name of BDO. The fee income of
the member firms in the BDO network, including the members of their exclusive
alliances, was US$7.6 billion in 2016. These firms have representation in 158
countries and territories, with over 67,700 people working out of 1,401 offices
worldwide.
BDO’s brand promise is built upon our vision, to be the leader for exceptional
client service – always, and everywhere. When you choose to work with BDO you
quickly discover why we’re different from the rest. BDO offers a comprehensive
collection of high quality tax services and assets designed to support exceptional
performance, and all our tax engagements benefit from the hands-on involve-
ment of experienced professionals, backed by world-class resources. We are agile
enough to handle the biggest and the smallest names in the industries we serve,
and our relationship-driven culture means that we can provide responsive and
personalised advice to all our clients.
We work hard to understand our clients’ businesses and ensure that we match
both our service offering and our people to their complex individual needs. We
believe that providing our clients with access to experienced professionals who
are actively engaged in addressing their tax and business issues is the most reli-
able way to provide exceptional service, always with a strong focus on trust and
transparency.
Regardless of your location, size or international ambitions we can provide effec-
tive support as you expand into new areas of the world. In an ever-evolving eco-
nomic environment, businesses need a global network that provides exceptional,
bespoke service combined with local knowledge and expertise. BDO is uniquely
positioned to serve this demand, providing effective support and a truly global
integrated global footprint.
3
DOING BUSINESS IN CHILE 2017
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CORPORATE TAXATION .......................................................................... 9
INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................... 9
1. CORPORATE INCOME TAX ..................................................................... 9
1.1. TYPE OF TAX SYSTEM ....................................................................... 9
1.2. TAXABLE PERSONS .......................................................................... 11
1.2.1. Residence .......................................................................... 11
1.3. TAXABLE INCOME ............................................................................ 11
1.3.1. General ............................................................................ 11
1.3.2. Exempt income ................................................................... 12
1.3.3. Deductions ......................................................................... 12
1.3.3.1. Deductible expenses ................................................ 12
1.3.3.2. Non-deductible expenses .......................................... 13
1.3.4. Depreciation and amortization ................................................ 13
1.3.5. Reserves and provisions ......................................................... 15
1.4. CAPITAL GAINS .............................................................................. 15
1.4.1. Immovable property ............................................................. 15
1.4.2. Shares .............................................................................. 16
1.5. LOSSES ..................................................................................... 16
1.5.1. Ordinary losses ................................................................... 16
1.5.2. Capital losses ..................................................................... 17
1.6. RATES ...................................................................................... 17
1.6.1. Income and capital gains ........................................................ 17
1.6.2. Withholding taxes on domestic payments .................................... 17
1.7. INCENTIVES ................................................................................. 17
1.7.1. Accelerated depreciation ....................................................... 18
1.7.2. Foreign Investment .............................................................. 18
1.7.3. Capital gains on the alienation of shares .................................... 20
1.7.4. Special regime for income from bonds ....................................... 20
1.7.5. Funds ............................................................................... 21
1.7.5.1. Foreign investment funds .......................................... 22
1.7.5.2. Investment funds .................................................... 22
1.7.5.3. Risk capital companies ............................................. 22
1.7.6. Business platform regime ....................................................... 23
1.7.7. Research and development credit ............................................. 23
1.7.8. Credit for investment in tangible fixed assets .............................. 23
1.7.9. Benefits for reconstruction gifts .............................................. 24
1.7.10. Regional ............................................................................ 24
1.8. ADMINISTRATION ............................................................................ 24
1.8.1. Taxable period .................................................................... 24
1.8.2. Tax returns and assessment .................................................... 24
1.8.3. Payment of tax ................................................................... 24
1.8.4. Rulings ............................................................................. 25
2. TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN RESIDENT COMPANIES ......................................... 25
2.1. GROUP TREATMENT ......................................................................... 25
2.2. INTERCOMPANY DIVIDENDS ................................................................... 25
3. OTHER TAXES ON INCOME .................................................................... 25
3.1. SPECIAL TAX ON MINING INCOME ............................................................ 25
3.1.1. Taxable persons .................................................................. 26
3.1.2. Taxable income ................................................................... 26
3.1.3. Rates ............................................................................... 26
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DOING BUSINESS IN CHILE 2017 TABLE OF CONTENTS
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TABLE OF CONTENTS DOING BUSINESS IN CHILE 2017
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DOING BUSINESS IN CHILE 2017 TABLE OF CONTENTS
8
CORPORATE TAXATION DOING BUSINESS IN CHILE 2017
CHILE
This chapter is based on information available up to 2 February 2017.
Introduction
On 29 September 2014, Law 20,780 was published in the Official Gazette. The law pro-
vides for a structural reform of the tax system of the country with different effective
dates over a 4-year period. Law 20,780 provides, inter alia, a new income tax regime
effective from 2017, which is considered the most relevant tax reform over the last 30
years. On 8 February 2016, Law 20,899 was published in the Official Gazette introduc-
ing further amendments to the tax system, including also the new income tax regime.
Several regulations and administrative interpretations concerning these laws have
been published. In this survey, amendments introduced by Law 20,780 and Law 20,899
are reflected as they become effective.
Companies are subject to income tax and to a business licence that is calculated as
percentage of capital.
A VAT system and excise taxes also apply. Income from mining operations is subject to
a special tax. Employees must make social security contributions.
The tax system applies throughout the entire Chilean territory.
The tax administration is the Servicio de Impuestos Internos (SII).
The currency is the peso (CLP).
The Chilean tax system provides a comprehensive system of monetary adjustments to
offset the effects of inflation.
The “monthly tax unit” is a tax adjustment index and its value is adjusted monthly by
the tax administration in accordance with inflation. The “annual tax unit” is equal to
12 monthly tax units. The “tax unit” is used, inter alia, to determine certain applicable
tax rates, whether or not income or gains are taxable, and the amount of fines.
On 29 September 2014, Law 20,780 was published in the Official Gazette. The law pro-
vides for a structural reform of the tax system of the country with different effective
dates over a 4-year period. Law 20,780 provides, inter alia, a new income tax regime
effective from 2017, which is considered the most relevant tax reform over the last 30
years. On 8 February 2016, Law 20,899 was published in the Official Gazette introduc-
ing further amendments to the tax system, including also the new income tax regime.
Several regulations and administrative interpretations concerning these laws have
been published. In this survey, amendments introduced by Law 20,780 and Law 20,899
are reflected as they become effective.
1. Corporate Income Tax
1.1. Type of tax system
General income tax regime before 1 January 2017
Business income derived by an enterprise was subject to business income tax
(impuesto de primera categoría).
Thereafter, business profit distributed to the enterprise’s owners (individuals) was in
general also subject to income tax, whether residents (impuesto global complemen-
tario – individual income tax) or non-residents (impuesto adicional – non-resident
income tax). However, the tax paid by the enterprise could be used as a credit against
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DOING BUSINESS IN CHILE 2017 CORPORATE TAXATION
the owners’ tax liability (see example below). A special ledger (Fondo de Utilidades
Tributables, FUT) was required to keep track of retained profits and the corresponding
tax credit.
The same system was applicable to non-residents, i.e. tax paid by the enterprise was
also creditable against the non-resident withholding tax on dividends, profits distribu-
tions or remittances – the 35% impuesto adicional, see section 1.3.1.).
Inter-company dividends and other profit distributions were not subject to business
income tax.
New income tax regimes as from 1 January 2017
Under Law 20,780, effective from 2017, two new income tax regimes became appli-
cable (in addition to various special transitory provisions and regimes), as follows.
Integrated income tax regime with income attribution (régimen de impuesto de
primera categoría con imputación total de crédito en los impuestos finales (renta
atribuida))
Under this regime, income derived by enterprises is subject to business income tax at
the rate of 25%.
Business income derived by an enterprise is immediately attributed to the enterprise’s
owners and, accordingly, the enterprise owners are subject to tax on that income.
However, the business income tax paid by the enterprise will be used as a credit
against the owner’s tax liability.
Subsequently, when the income is effectively distributed or withdrawn, the enterprise
owner will only be subject to tax on the income that was not previously taxed. As a
result, distributions to non-residents are not subject to withholding tax, unless the
income tax was not previously paid on the attributed income.
Inter-company dividends and other profit distributions are not subject to business
income tax.
Partially integrated income tax regime (régimen de primera categoría con deducción
parcial de crédito en los impuestos finales (semi integrado))
Under this regime, income derived by an enterprise is subject to business income tax.
Subsequently, the income distributed to the enterprise owners will be subject to
income tax. However, the business income tax paid by the enterprise will be used as a
credit against the owner’s tax liability, but it will be limited to 65% of the rate of busi-
ness income tax levied.
If the enterprise owner is resident of a country with which Chile has a tax treaty in
force, the tax credit limit does not apply, i.e. the full business income tax paid is cred-
itable against the income tax due by the non-resident.
The business income tax is levied at the rate of:
– 25.5% on income derived or accrued in 2017; and
– 27% on income derived or accrued in 2018.
Inter-company dividends and other profit distributions are not subject to business
income tax.
Law 20,899 of 2016 amended these new income regimes (see Introduction) with the
aim to simplify them. A main amendment introduced by this Law concerns the choice
of the regime. Accordingly, taxpayers that may opt for either of the new income tax
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CORPORATE TAXATION DOING BUSINESS IN CHILE 2017
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DOING BUSINESS IN CHILE 2017 CORPORATE TAXATION
Taxable income is defined as gross income less direct costs of goods and services, and
necessary expenses to produce that income, adjusted for inflation and corrected as
provided by law. Chilean-source income is calculated on a cash or accruals basis.
Foreign-source income is generally calculated on a received basis; however, income
derived by permanent establishments of resident companies located abroad is calcu-
lated on an accruals basis (see also section 7.4. on CFC rules). The computation of
annual income is generally based on the taxpayer’s accounting records.
1.3.2. Exempt income
The income tax law provides that some receipts (ingresos que no constituyen renta)
are not considered income for tax purposes and thus are not subject to income tax and
are not included in tax returns. These include:
– indemnity payments received for actual material damages, and non-material
damages when declared by the courts, but excluding indemnity payments with
respect to assets belonging to a business or activity subject to business income tax
on actual income (however the damaged assets may be deductible as an expense);
– capital contributions received by companies from their shareholders or partners;
the appreciation resulting from the revaluation of capital made under the integral
adjustment mechanism established in the Income Tax Law; and the excess over par
value obtained by a joint-stock company when placing its shares on the market,
provided that it is not distributed;
– the distribution of profits and accumulated reserves by joint-stock companies to
their shareholders in the form of stock dividends or any increase in the par value of
the shares realized by capitalization of the company’s profits or reserves;
– dividends paid by joint-stock companies out of receipts which are not considered to
be income for tax purposes;
– refund of capital by companies and capital revaluations authorized by law, pro-
vided that the distributions do not pertain to capitalized profits subject to income
tax upon distribution;
– the repatriation of capital invested abroad. In order to substantiate the capital
nature, the investment can be registered with the tax administration and/or be
substantiated by other means; and
– certain capital gains from the alienation of shares (see sections 1.4.1. and 1.7.3.)
and bonds (see section 1.7.9.).
Income exempt from business income tax includes:
– In general, dividends and profits paid between resident enterprises (or paid to per-
manent establishments in Chile of non-resident companies), see section 2.2. (such
dividends are normally subject to individual income tax or non-resident income tax
as the case may be); and
– certain capital gains from the alienation of shares and bonds (see sections 1.4.1.
and 1.7.3.).
1.3.3. Deductions
1.3.3.1. Deductible expenses
In general expenses are deductible, provided that they are deemed necessary for
earning taxable income and provided that a deduction is not specifically disallowed
under the income tax law. The tax administration has stated, based on the tax
legislation that a deductible expense must: be related directly to the business or
activity; be necessary for the production of the income (i.e. unavoidable or compul-
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CORPORATE TAXATION DOING BUSINESS IN CHILE 2017
sory for carrying on the business); not be deducted as part of the direct cost of goods
and services required for obtaining the income; actually be incurred in the period; and
be substantiated before the tax administration.
Dividends are not deductible, whereas interest and royalties generally are.
Outbound payments made under contracts with related parties, which are subject to
the non-resident income tax according to article 59 of the LIR (including royalties,
interest, service fees, leasing and insurance premiums), are deductible in the tax year
of payment, provided that the non-resident income tax is paid or the payment is
exempt or excluded from such tax under domestic law or under a tax treaty (article 31
of the LIR as amended by Law 20,780).
1.3.3.2. Non-deductible expenses
Non-deductible expenses include:
– amounts incurred for the acquisition, leasing or maintenance of cars and other
vehicles, unless the transaction represents the normal business of the enterprise or
is deemed necessary by the tax administration;
– amounts incurred for the acquisition, maintenance or exploitation of property not
used for the business activities of the enterprise;
– the portion of gifts for educational purposes that is creditable under specific laws;
– interest paid in respect of loans used directly or indirectly to acquire, maintain
and/or exploit goods producing income not subject to business income tax. How-
ever, interest paid in respect of loans used for acquiring shares, participation rights
in companies, bonds and, in general, all types of securities (capital mobiliario) may
be deductible provided it satisfies the general requirements described in section
1.3.3.1.;
– capital expenditures;
– compensation for personal services of the taxpayer’s spouse or unmarried children
under the age of 18;
– fees paid by a partnership to a partner for independent personal services; and
– expenses incurred in supermarkets or similar markets, unless they are necessary
for the taxpayer’s habitual business and comply with some additional require-
ments.
Non-deductible expenses (gastos rechazados) are generally added back to the net
income of enterprises and are deemed to be distributed at the end of the tax period
and subject to income tax accordingly. This income tax is payable by the shareholder
or the company, depending on the circumstances. Where payable by resident
companies or permanent establishments of foreign enterprises, these expenses are
subject to a single tax at the rate of 40%. Where the income tax on these type of
expenses is not payable by the company, the individual income tax (impuesto global
complementario) or the withholding tax on non-residents (impuesto adicional),
applies instead of the 40% single tax, and the tax so determined is increased with a 10%
of the amount of the “deemed distribution”.
1.3.4. Depreciation and amortization
Generally, tangible assets must be depreciated in accordance with the straight-line
method, i.e. a fixed percentage of the depreciable value may be deducted in each
year in accordance with the useful life of the asset, taking into account the residual
value.
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DOING BUSINESS IN CHILE 2017 CORPORATE TAXATION
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CORPORATE TAXATION DOING BUSINESS IN CHILE 2017
Exploration costs may, at the option of the taxpayer, be deducted in the first tax year
or amortized over the first 6 years of the project.
There is no amortization of intangibles.
Note that depreciation rules are subject to some specific changes effective as from tax
year 2017.
1.3.5. Reserves and provisions
Amounts added to reserves or provisions, including provisions for future expenses or
for bad debts, are normally not deductible.
Technical provisions of insurance companies are deductible up to the compulsory
amount required by the Superintendency of Securities, provided that the gross amount
of the corresponding premiums is duly registered. Voluntary contributions to the
reserves in excess of the compulsory amount are not deductible.
1.4. Capital gains
Capital gains are generally considered ordinary income and are thus subject to busi-
ness income tax (and, subsequently, to individual income tax or non-resident income
tax with a credit for the business income tax paid) when realized, i.e. in the case of a
sale or disposition of fixed assets.
Capital gains may also be excluded from the scope of income tax (see section 1.7.3.).
1.4.1. Immovable property
From year 2017, a distinction should be made based on the date of the acquisition of
the immovable property.
Regarding immovable property acquired before 2004:
Capital gains arising from the alienation of such immovable property that is part of the
assets of a person subject to business income tax on actual net income (based on com-
plete accounting) are subject to tax under the general rules.
Capital gains arising from the alienation of immovable property, other than that men-
tioned above, are not taxable income, unless:
– the property has been owned for a year or less prior to the alienation;
– the alienator habitually buys and sells properties (transactions are always consid-
ered “habitual” when included in the company’s deed of incorporation as part of
the business); or
– transactions are carried out between shareholders of an open joint-stock company,
owning 10% or more of the shares, or shareholders of a closed company limited by
shares and the company in which they have an interest (related parties).
Regarding immovable property acquired on or after 2004:
Capital gains arising from the alienation of such immovable property are subject to tax
under the general rules.
However, gains arising from the alienation of immovable property owned by individuals
(residents or non-residents) are not taxable income if the property has been owned for
at least 1 year prior to the alienation (or 4 years in the case of apartments or subdi-
vided property). This exemption applies up to a 8,000 UF gains threshold which is
determined per each individual during his entire life (not per alienation). Any gain in
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DOING BUSINESS IN CHILE 2017 CORPORATE TAXATION
excess of the mentioned threshold is subject to individual income tax (impuesto global
complementario) or withholding tax on non-residents (impuesto adicional), as appro-
priate. Individuals resident in Chile may opt for a 10% flat tax.
1.4.2. Shares
Before year 2017, capital gains from the alienation of shares were subject to business
income tax and, subsequently, to individual income tax or non-resident income tax
with a credit for the business income tax paid, where:
– shares have been owned for less than a year before the alienation;
– the alienator habitually buys and sells shares (transactions are per se considered
“habitual” when included in the company’s deed of incorporation as part of the
business); or
– transactions are carried out by shareholders of an open joint-stock company
owning 10% or more of the shares, or shareholders of a closed company limited by
shares or members of other companies, or in the case of transactions between the
above shareholders or members and the joint-stock company or a company in
which they have an interest (related parties).
If none of the above circumstances apply, capital gains from the alienation of shares
were subject to a flat tax (impuesto único a la renta) and the income was not subject
to a further individual income tax or non-resident income tax.
Capital gains from the alienation of shares are exempt from tax when derived by
persons that are not subject to business income tax on actual net income, provided
that the gains do not exceed ten monthly tax units or ten annual tax units, depending
on certain conditions.
From year 2017, capital gains arising from the alienation of shares when derived by
persons that are subject to business income tax on actual net income are subject to tax
under the general rules. In other cases, the capital gains are subject to individual
income tax (impuesto global complementario) or withholding tax on non-residents
(impuesto adicional), as appropriate.
However, capital gains from the alienation of shares acquired before 31 January 1984
are never considered income for tax purposes and thus are not subject to income tax.
In addition, capital gains from the alienation of shares are exempt from tax when
derived by persons that are not subject to business income tax on actual net income,
provided that the gains do not exceed ten annual tax units.
For other tax-exempt capital gains, see sections 1.7.3., 1.7.4. and 1.7.9.
1.5. Losses
1.5.1. Ordinary losses
Before 1 January 2017, losses were deductible as an expense against profits of the tax
year and could be set off against undistributed profits. If the profits were not suffi-
cient to offset the losses, the losses could be carried forward indefinitely.
If losses were set off against non-distributed profits, the business income tax paid on
such profits was treated as an advance payment and could be set off against income
taxes (business income tax, individual income tax or non-resident income tax) or
refunded.
16
CORPORATE TAXATION DOING BUSINESS IN CHILE 2017
From 1 January 2017, losses continue to be deductible against profits of the tax year as
an expense. If the profits are not sufficient to offset the losses, the losses can be
carried forward indefinitely. However, the carry-back of losses is no longer available.
Losses incurred by a company before the transfer of its shares or its rights to partici-
pate in the profits may not be set off against the income accrued or received after the
transfer if:
– as a result of the transfer or during the 12 months before or after the transfer, the
company changes its principal business purpose;
– at the time of the transfer, the capital assets or other assets of the company are not
sufficient to carry out the company’s activity;
– the value of the assets is not proportional to the transfer price; or
– the company’s income will be derived only from the participation as a partner or
shareholder in other companies or from the reinvestment of its profits.
Losses arising from the disposal of securities cannot be deducted from taxable income
if gains arising from the disposal of the securities would be excluded from taxable
income.
1.5.2. Capital losses
Generally, there are no special rules for capital losses.
1.6. Rates
1.6.1. Income and capital gains
Law 20,780 provides for an increase of the income tax rate over a 4-year term. Accord-
ingly, income derived or accrued in the following years will be subject to business
income tax (Impuesto de Primera Categoría) at the following tax rates:
– 2014: 21%;
– 2015: 22.5%;
– 2016: 24%;
– 2017: 25% (integrated income tax regime) or 25.5% (partially integrated income tax
regime); and
– 2018: 25% (integrated income tax regime) or 27% (partially integrated income tax
regime).
The rate has fluctuated considerably over the last 10 years: 20% in 2011-2013; 17% in
2004-2010; 16.5% in 2003; 16% in 2002; 15% before 2002.
1.6.2. Withholding taxes on domestic payments
Generally there is no withholding tax system on payments to resident companies. How-
ever, the business income tax must be paid in monthly instalments (see section 1.8.3.).
For withholding tax on payments to non-residents, see section 6.3.
1.7. Incentives
The most relevant incentives are described below.
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DOING BUSINESS IN CHILE 2017 CORPORATE TAXATION
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CORPORATE TAXATION DOING BUSINESS IN CHILE 2017
investor and explicitly acknowledges the existence of certain rights that are also
granted in the common legal framework:
– access to the “formal” exchange market and the right to repatriate invest-
ment capital and profits, upon the fulfilment of their tax obligations(subject
to Central Bank’s legislation); and
– protection against arbitrary discrimination.
Notwithstanding the above, there are two cases in which obtaining this certificate by
foreign investors is “mandatory” (i.e. a requirement):
– in order to apply for an exemption of VAT on imported capital assets. This exemp-
tion is granted by the Ministry of Finance if certain legal requirements are met; and
– in order to apply for one of the following “tax invariability” contracts that relates
to certain provisions of the abolished Decree Law 600:
(i) invariability of a total effective income tax of 44.45% for a period of 10 years
since the signing date of contract; or
(ii) invariability of the special tax on mining income applicable on the date of
signing of the contract, for a period of 15 years, provided the investment
project is of at least USD 50 million.
These tax invariability contracts can be executed between the Chilean State and a
foreign investor who is entitled to apply for one of these contracts during a 4-years
period beginning on 1 January 2016.
With respect to contracts between the Chilean State and foreign investors under the
abolished Decree Law 600:
– since 1 January 2016, no new foreign investment contracts pursuant the abolished
Decree Lay 600 will be signed; and
– contracts signed before 1 January 2016 remain fully in force and foreign investors’
rights and obligations under those contracts are guaranteed, meaning that the fol-
lowing rights are contractually granted:
(i) access to the formal exchange market;
(ii) free repatriation of capital and profits;
(iii) non-discriminatory legal treatment;
(iv) the option to pay and effective fixed overall tax of 42% on taxable income for
a period of 10 years instead of the general income tax applicable. Decre Law
600 investors, may opt out of this mechanism at any time and pay the general
income tax applicable at that time. The opt-out is, however, irrevocable;
(v) in the case of investments over USD 50 million in mining activities, for a
period of 15 years, foreign investors could apply for the invariability of the
special tax on mining income defined in articles 64bis and 64ter of the income
tax legislation (LIR); and
(vi) the possibility to freeze the existing rate of VAT (for a limited period of time)
for machinery and equipment not manufactured in Chile, imported to Chile in
relation to the specific investment project.
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CORPORATE TAXATION DOING BUSINESS IN CHILE 2017
determine “accrued interest” for business income tax purposes (under article 20
No. 2 of the LIR).
In addition, other requirements apply to the transfer of the bond and the alienator
(e.g. minimum holding period, acquisition and alienation on a local authorized stock
exchange, authorized intermediaries, etc.).
The SVS keeps a public registry of fiscal interest rates of issued bonds.
Bonds issued by the central bank or the Treasury and listed by the Finance Minister are
also eligible (special rules apply regarding certain requirements).
If the gain from the alienation of bonds does not comply with the legal requirements,
the gain will be subject to tax under the general rules.
Special rules apply for the treatment of advance payment or redemption of eligible
bonds, e.g. the amount received is treated as interest to the extent that it exceeds the
face value of the debt (this interest is accrued in the year of the payment or redemp-
tion).
1.7.5. Funds
Law 20,712 (Ley única de fondos), published in the Official Gazette of 7 January 2014,
systematizes and modernizes the fund administration legislation with the aim to
improve the country’s international competitiveness and to simplify the funds’ tax
treatment.
The Law aims to improve the access to financing for small and medium-sized enter-
prises (SMEs) and the risk capital industry, allowing the positioning of the country as a
regional platform for financial services and fund administration.
The main general features of the Law are as follows:
– it consolidates, in a single law, the legislation applicable to fund administration,
i.e. mutual funds, investment funds, foreign capital investment funds and housing
funds;
– it outlines the general treatment of fund administrators, including their incorpo-
ration and capital structure, requirements to perform this activity, prohibitions
and responsibilities, and the procedure to liquidate the fund administrator and its
funds;
– it improves the private investment funds regulations;
– it increases the requirements to perform the fund administration activity in order
to guarantee a necessary level of technical expertise; and
– it provides more flexibility to fund administrators concerning the product offer, but
at the same time it provides a greater control and regulation power for the Super-
visor of Securities and Insurance in order to protect the investors and to guarantee
principles of transparency, market regulation and equity.
The main tax provisions of the Law are as follows:
– for funds, a final income tax is applicable at a rate of 10% on fund earnings (see
section 1.7.5.1.) remitted to foreign investors in all types of funds constituted
under the new law. Capital gains from the alienation or redemption of fund quotas
is also subject to this 10% final income tax;
– for funds (i) allocating more than 80% of their investments in a foreign country and
(ii) where dividends and other fund earnings derived from domestic investments
must be distributed by the fund and are then subject to the current income tax
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DOING BUSINESS IN CHILE 2017 CORPORATE TAXATION
rules, foreign investors may benefit from a tax exemption with respect to capital
gains derived from the alienation of their fund participating interests, and fund dis-
tributions derived from foreign investments; and
– the provision of fund administration services to foreigners is exempt from VAT (this
exemption does not apply to private investment funds).
The Law 20,712 also introduced an exemption from VAT for the remuneration of the
administrator of a housing fund regulated by Law 19,281.
1.7.5.1. Foreign investment funds
Before Law 20,712, foreign investors could structure their investment through a
foreign investment fund and then be subject to tax at the flat rate of 10% on remit-
tances from the fund. The investment must have been maintained in Chile for at least
5 years to enjoy this benefit. Law 20,712 abolished this tax regime, however according
to a transitional provision, taxpayers that were beneficiaries of this regime can still
enjoy the benefits under certain conditions.
1.7.5.2. Investment funds
According to article 107 of the Income Tax Law (LIR), gains from the alienation, on a
authorized stock exchange, of units in investment funds (purchased after 19 April
2001) regularly quoted on an authorized stock exchange, are excluded from taxable
income under certain other requirements.
Gains from the alienation, on an authorized stock exchange, of units in investment
funds, which are not regularly quoted on a stock exchange, and gains from the
redemption of such units on liquidation or a voluntary reduction in capital, are
excluded from taxable income, provided that the by-laws of the relevant fund require
that at least 90% of the fund’s portfolio is invested in shares regularly quoted on a stock
exchange and other legal requirements are met.
If the units are sold within 90 days from the date on which they cease to be regularly
quoted in the stock exchange, the gain is exempt up to the average price during the
last 90 days in which they were regularly quoted. The remainder of the gain is treated
as ordinary income.
1.7.5.3. Risk capital companies
According to Transitional Article No. 1 of the Law 20,190, as amended by Law 20,712
and Law 20,780, there are certain incentives related to “risk capital companies” (ven-
ture capital companies):
(i) capital gains in excess of certain amount (which is calculated under a specific
formula based on the return rate of the stock market index in Chile), obtained
from the alienation of shares in risk capital companies, are non-taxable income, if
certain requirements are met (e.g. investment made in a joint-stock company
which was not traded on the stock exchange, certain minimum holding period,
alienation between non-related parties, maximum participation threshold, etc.).
This benefit is available to participants in investment funds who invest exclusively
in risk capital companies and comply with other specific requirements provided in
the mentioned legislation; and
(ii) Law 20,190 also provides a benefit for shareholders of risk capital companies in
which such investment funds have at least 25% participation. Accordingly, these
shareholders can consider as their acquisition cost the highest amount paid by one
of such investment funds in the most recent placement of first issue shares by the
company, if certain other conditions are met.
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CORPORATE TAXATION DOING BUSINESS IN CHILE 2017
The final tax liability must be paid upon filing of the annual income tax return in April
of the year following the tax year.
1.8.4. Rulings
The tax administration (SII) is in charge of the interpretation, application and enforce-
ment of tax legislation. The SII’s Commissioner is empowered to give administrative
interpretations of tax law, addressed to officials or taxpayers.
Requests for general guidance on the application of the tax legislation regarding cases
in which the taxpayer has a real interest or which involve specific transaction are
answered. Administrative decisions are published on the SII’s website.
2. Transactions between Resident Companies
2.1. Group treatment
Chilean tax law does not include provisions concerning taxation on a consolidated
basis. Accordingly, losses may only be offset against profits of the company that
incurred them.
2.2. Intercompany dividends
Dividends or other profit distributions are in general not taxed when received by res-
ident companies. Foreign-source dividends are taxed (see section 6.1.1.). For divi-
dends derived by non-residents, see sections 6.2.1. and 6.3.1.).
3. Other Taxes on Income
Generally, there are no other taxes on income in addition to the normal income tax.
However, mining enterprises are subject to a specific tax on income (see section 3.1.).
In addition, there exists a simplified income tax regime for small taxpayers, i.e. micro,
small and medium-sized companies, provided by article 14 ter of the Income Tax Law
(LIR) as amended by Law 20,780. This regime is effective for tax years 2015 and 2016.
Taxpayers that were subject to other income tax regimes on 31 December 2014 (i.e.
regimes provided by articles 14 bis or 14 quarter LIR) could opt to continue to be taxed
under those regimes until 31 December 2016. Effective 1 January 2017, a new special
regime will be effective under a new article 14 ter of the LIR. Under the regime the
taxpayer is basically subject to ordinary income tax on the surplus of receipts over dis-
bursements based on his records and invoices.
There is also a simplified income tax regime on presumptive income for small agricul-
tural, land transport or mining businesses. For this purpose, annual sales or gross
receipts must not exceed specific legal thresholds (under Law 20,780, effective from
2016, new thresholds are applicable). The tax is a percentage of the value of the
immovable properties, vehicles or annual net sales of mining products. Law 20,899
provided that businesses may only be subject to this regime when they are formed
exclusively by individuals during the time the regime is applicable.
Non-deductible expenses (gastos rechazados) are also subject to a special taxation
(see section 1.3.3.2.)
3.1. Special tax on mining income
Income from mining activities is subject to a specific tax on “operational income” in
addition to the general income tax. The tax (impuesto específico a la actividad
minera) is deductible for income tax purposes.
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– contributions for “heavy” work: both the employer and the employee must con-
tribute 2% of the salary to the individual capitalization account (the percentage
may be reduced to 1% in certain circumstances);
– employment insurance: the employer contributes 2.4% of the part of the salary not
exceeding 111.4 development units in 2016 (the employee contributes 0.6% of that
part of the salary with the same cap, and the state contributes 18,816 tax units per
month); and
– premiums for the financing of disability and life insurance: a percentage which is
subject to auction and accordingly may vary from time to time (1.41% from July
2016 until June 2018) . Premiums are payable by employers irrespective of the
number of workers.
5. Taxes on Capital
For other taxes, see section 9.
5.1. Net worth tax
Business licence fees, normally calculated as a percentage of capital, must be paid
annually to the municipalities (patente municipal).
The tax is assessed on the initial capital declared by the taxpayer in case of new activ-
ities or the capital registered in the balance sheet ending on 31 December of the year
preceding the date on which the return must be filed. Capital invested in other busi-
nesses or enterprises, also subject to payment of the licence fees, is deductible. The
total amount of the licence fee due is paid proportionally by each branch, office or
establishment, according to the number of employees.
The tax rate varies according to the municipality and location within the municipality
and ranges from 0.25% to 0.5%. It may not be less than one tax unit nor exceed 8,000
tax units. Taxpayers who are not required to pay their income tax on the basis of a
general balance sheet are liable to an annual licence fee equal to one monthly tax
unit.
5.2. Real estate tax
The immovable property tax (impuesto territorial or contribuciones de bienes raíces)
is levied on an annual basis on urban or rural immovable property. It is administered by
the central government and the revenue is allocated to the municipalities.
Taxable persons are the owners or users of the property.
The taxable base is the official cadastral value. An exemption is granted for properties
whose cadastral value does not exceed a certain limit. The tax is levied on that part of
the cadastral value of each piece of immovable property exceeding the relevant
exempt limit without regard to the number of owners or to the taxpayer’s personal
wealth. For urban property used as dwelling house the rate is progressive and is
divided into three brackets, the limits of which are adjusted every semester for infla-
tion: the first bracket is exempt, the second is taxed at 1% and the third is taxed at
1.2%. Other urban property is taxed at a flat 1.2% rate. Rural land is taxed at a 1% rate.
Farmers and owners or usufructuaries that lease property may credit the tax against
their liability to business income tax. In the case of non-agricultural property, the tax
is creditable. Non-creditable immovable property tax is deductible for income tax pur-
poses. Taxable urban land without buildings or vacant is subject to the property tax
and to a 100% surcharge. Property located in urban expansion areas or in rural areas is
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DOING BUSINESS IN CHILE 2017 CORPORATE TAXATION
exempt from the surcharge. In certain cases (subdivision of land, total demolition fol-
lowing destruction due to causes of which the proprietor or dweller is not responsible)
a 10-year holiday may be granted.
6. International Aspects
6.1. Resident companies
Companies incorporated in Chile are generally treated as residents.
Companies and other legal entities incorporated abroad are treated as non-residents.
Permanent establishments in Chile of non-residents are treated as separate entities
for income tax purposes (i.e. a permanent establishment under domestic legislation is
subject to business income tax which is also granted as credit against the 35% with-
holding tax on remittances to the head office).
6.1.1. Foreign income and capital gains
Resident companies are chargeable to income tax (business income tax) on their
worldwide income.
Foreign dividends and other profit distributions, capital gains, interest and royalties
derived by resident companies are included in the business income tax taxable
income.
Only after-tax foreign-source net income received is considered (excluding income
that is not obtainable for reasons of force majeure, acts of God or legal provisions of
the country of origin). This rule changes when a foreign tax credit is granted. In the
case of permanent establishments located abroad, foreign-source income is computed
on an accrual or received basis, including foreign taxes due or paid (under certain
requirements, foreign tax credit is available). See also section 7.4. on CFC rules.
6.1.2. Foreign losses
Generally, only after-tax foreign-source net income is considered. Losses incurred by
permanent establishments located abroad may be set off in the tax year in which they
are incurred, but may not be carried forward to later years.
6.1.3. Foreign capital
In general, foreign capital is not taxed in Chile. The municipal licence is generally cal-
culated as a percentage of capital, as declared by the taxpayer or registered in the
balance sheet, which may lead to the conclusion that foreign capital declared or reg-
istered is also taxed. On the other hand, the local feature of municipalities, as defined
by the Constitution and other legislation, offers grounds for the idea that a municipal-
ity cannot levy taxes on activities located in other municipalities, let aside on activi-
ties located in other countries.
Foreign-situs immovable property is not subject to immovable property tax in Chile.
6.1.4. Double taxation relief
Chile generally grants unilateral relief using the credit method to prevent double tax-
ation of foreign-source income. The credit is granted with respect to foreign dividends
or profit distributions, royalties and technical assistance fees received, services qual-
ified as exports by Custom Service, on income accrued or remitted by permanent
establishments located abroad and income subject to CFC rules. In respect of other
income, the foreign tax may only be deducted from the foreign-source income.
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The credit is generally limited to the lesser of the business income tax calculated
(according to a specific formula) on the foreign-source income or the foreign tax
effectively paid.
In respect of taxes paid on dividends and profit distributions, the credit equal to the
lesser of a 32% credit limit calculated (according to a specific formula) on the foreign-
source net income derived by the taxpayer in the tax period or the foreign tax effec-
tively paid.
With respect to dividends and profit distributions, an underlying tax credit is granted.
Furthermore, the income tax paid by companies on the profits distributed to the
company that remits such profits to Chile may also be credited (indirect foreign tax
credit), provided that at least 10% of the capital of the first-mentioned companies is
directly or indirectly owned by the company remitting the profits. Under amendments
introduced by Law 20,899 of 2016, the indirect foreign tax credit is also granted in case
that companies making the distribution to the company that remits such profits to
Chile are resident in a different country, provided this country has a tax treaty or
exchanges information with Chile.
The foreign tax credit can be carried forward. There is no carry-back of the foreign tax
credit.
The ordinary credit method is generally also used in comprehensive tax treaties con-
cluded by Chile. In this case, a credit is granted for an amount which is the lesser of the
foreign tax effectively paid or a 35% credit limit calculated (according to a specific for-
mula) on the foreign-source income with respect to all income referred to in the tax
treaty. For the list of tax treaties in force, see section 6.3.5.
6.2. Non-resident companies
There is no express definition of non-resident companies (see section 6.1.). Generally,
companies that are not considered to be resident are treated as non-resident compa-
nies.
Non-residents are subject to non-resident income tax on their Chilean-source income.
In general, Chilean-source income is income from assets located in Chile or activities
carried out therein. However, the concept of Chilean-source income also covers gains
from the indirect disposal of Chilean assets made between non-residents, under very
specific conditions (see section 7.5.2.).
The following assets are deemed to be located in Chile:
– shares or participation rights in companies incorporated in Chile; and
– bonds and other private or public debt instruments issued in Chile by resident tax-
payers (Law 20,780).
In addition, interest is deemed to arise in Chile:
– where the debtor is domiciled in Chile; or
– in case of debt instruments contracted or issued by a permanent establishment
located abroad, where the head office is in Chile (Law 20,780).
6.2.1. Taxes on income and capital gains
Permanent establishments of non-residents
Permanent establishments in Chile of non-residents are treated as separate entities
for income tax purposes.
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Royalties derived by non-residents are subject to non-resident income tax (for specific
rates, see section 6.3.3.).
6.2.2. Taxes on capital
Non-resident companies are subject to immovable property tax (see section 5.2.) in
respect of their immovable property located in Chile.
6.2.3. Administration
Non-resident taxpayers with a permanent establishment in Chile must file an annual
income tax return and self-assess their own income tax liability. They must generally
appoint a legal representative in Chile, obtain a tax identification number (RUT) and
make a sworn statement to the SII with respect to the start-up of a business.
Non-resident companies without a permanent establishment in Chile, but deriving
Chilean-source income, are generally subject to final withholding taxes.
See also section 1.8.
6.3. Withholding taxes on payments to non-resident companies
Chilean-source income derived by non-residents without a permanent establishment in
Chile is generally subject to a final withholding tax at the rate of 35% on the gross
amount. However, different rates apply, depending on the type of income.
For reduced rates under tax treaties, see section 6.3.5.
6.3.1. Dividends
Dividends and other profit distributions derived by non-residents are subject to a final
withholding tax (non-resident income tax) at the rate of 35% on the gross amount. The
business income tax previously paid is creditable against the non-resident income tax.
6.3.2. Interest
Interest derived by non-residents is normally subject to final non-resident income tax
at the general rate on the gross amount. Nevertheless, the following special rules
apply:
– interest paid to foreign or international banks or to foreign or international financ-
ing institutions by a financial institution incorporated in Chile is exempt from
income tax, provided the credit on which the interest is paid is used to grant loans
abroad; and
– the following categories of interest are subject to a rate of 4% on the gross amount:
– interest paid on current accounts and term deposits placed with an authorized
institution;
– interest on loans granted by authorized foreign or international banks or finan-
cial institutions;
– interest to finance imports;
– interest on Chilean or foreign-currency bonds issued by Chilean companies;
– interest on Chilean or foreign-currency bonds issued by the state and the
central bank; and
– interest on Latin American Banking Acceptances (ALADI Ablas).
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However, according to the thin capitalization rules, interest paid in excess of the
allowed ratio is taxed at the higher rate of 35% (for thin capitalization provisions,
see section 7.3.):
6.3.3. Royalties
Payments made to non-residents for the use of, the right to use (goce) or the exploita-
tion of trademarks, patents, formulas and other similar assets are subject to withhold-
ing tax (non-resident income tax) at the rate of 30% on the gross amount.
Payments made to non-residents for the use of, the right to use (goce) or the exploita-
tion of discovery patents, utility models, industrial drawings and designs, sketches
(esquemas de trazado) or topographies of integrated circuits and new vegetal varieties
are subject to withholding tax (non-resident income tax) at the rate of 15% on the
gross amount.
Payments made to non-residents for the use of, the right to use (goce) or the exploita-
tion of software (computer programs) are subject to withholding tax (non-resident
income tax) at the rate of 15% on the gross amount. However, payments made for the
following software are not subject to tax:
– basic programs, which are defined as those indispensable for the functioning of the
equipment or machine without which it cannot operate as such; and
– shrink-wrap software, the transferred rights of which are limited to the use of the
program, and not its commercial exploitation, its reproduction or modification
made for any purpose other than its use (Law 20,630).
However, in respect of the two previous paragraphs, the rate is 30% if the creditor or
beneficiary of the payment is incorporated, domiciled or resident in a country
included in the tax haven list or qualifies as a preferential tax jurisdiction according to
certain general criteria provided by the legislation (see section 7.5.1.).
Payments to foreign producers or distributors for material to be shown in cinemas or in
television broadcasts are subject to withholding tax (non-resident income tax) at the
rate of 20% on the gross amount.
Payments for the use of copyright or authors’ rights are subject to withholding tax
(non-resident income tax) at the rate of 15% on the gross amount.
6.3.4. Other
Income from services supplied abroad is generally subject to withholding tax (non-
resident income tax) at the rate of 35% on the gross amount. However, payments
made abroad are exempt in the case of freight services, loading and unloading
charges, storage, weigh-in, product sampling and analysis, insurance and reinsur-
ance operations, commissions, international telecommunications and for smelting,
refining, and other special treatments of Chilean products. The exemption also
applies to amounts paid in the case of exportable goods and services, advertising and
promotion, market analysis, scientific and technological research, legal advice, and
legal defence before the administrative, arbitration or judicial authorities of the
country in which the services are supplied.
Remuneration paid to non-residents for engineering and technical works or profes-
sional or technical works supplied through an advice, report or draft (plano), carried
out in Chile or abroad, is subject to withholding tax at the rate of 15%. However, the
rate is 20% if the creditor or beneficiary of the payment is incorporated, domiciled or
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CORPORATE TAXATION DOING BUSINESS IN CHILE 2017
resident in a country included in the tax haven list or qualifies as a preferential tax
jurisdiction according to certain general criteria provided by the legislation (see
section 7.5.1.).
Premiums on insurance of any type, taken out with companies not established in Chile,
for goods permanently located in the country or against the material loss of goods in
Chile subject to temporary admission or in transit, as well as premiums on insurance
for persons domiciled or resident in Chile, are subject to tax at the rate of 22% or at
the rate of 2% in the case of reinsurance premiums.
Income is subject to a withholding tax at the rate of 5% when derived from maritime
transport to and from Chilean ports supplied by foreign companies. Withholding tax at
the rate of 20% applies to income from the rental, sub-rental, chartering, sub-char-
tering, usufruct or any other right to the use or temporary employment of foreign ships
that are destined to or used for coastal services, or when the respective contracts
allow or do not forbid the ship’s use for coastal services.
Income from a rental contract, with or without a purchase option, for imported capital
goods that are entitled to a deferral of payment of customs duties, is subject to with-
holding tax at the rate of 35% on the profit or interest arising from the operation,
which, for this purpose, is legally assumed to amount to 5% of each instalment paid
under the contract.
6.3.5. Withholding tax rates chart
The following chart contains the withholding tax rates that are applicable to interest
and royalty payments by Chilean companies to non-residents under the tax treaties in
force as at the date of review. Where, in a particular case, a treaty rate is higher than
the domestic rate, the latter is applicable.
A reduced treaty rate may be applied at source if the appropriate residence certificate
has been presented to the withholding agent making the payment.
With respect to dividends, tax treaties do not limit the application of the non-resident
income tax (35%) payable in Chile, provided that the business income tax is creditable
in computing the amount of the non-resident income tax. Therefore, the rates
referred to in tax treaties concluded by Chile are only applicable in the case of divi-
dends paid from the other country to Chile.
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12. The lower rate applies to interest from loans granted by banks and insurance companies, bonds or
securities that are regularly and substantially traded on a recognized securities market, and to inter-
est in relation to sales on credit.
13. A most favoured nation clause may be applicable with respect to interest and royalties.
14. The rate under the treaty is 10%. However, by virtue of a most favoured nation clause, the rate is
reduced to 5% with respect to participations of at least 25% of voting power. Under the Chile-Mexico
treaty, the rate is 5%.
15. The general rate under the treaty is 15%. However, by virtue of a most favoured nation clause, the rate
is reduced to 10% with respect to the following types of interest:
– loans granted by banks and insurance companies;
– bonds or securities that are regularly and substantially traded on a recognized securities market;
and
– sale on credit paid by the purchaser of machinery and equipment to a beneficial owner that is the
seller of the machinery and equipment.
Under the Chile-Spain treaty, the rate for such interest is 5%. However, due to a restriction in the MFN
clause, the rate cannot be reduced below 10%.
16. The rate under the treaty is 15%. However, by virtue of a most favoured nation clause, the rate is
reduced to 10%. Under the Chile-Spain treaty, the general rate is 10%.
17. A most favoured nation clause may be applicable with respect to interest.
18. The lower rate applies to interest derived by banks and insurance companies from certain transac-
tions.
19. A most favoured nation clause may be applicable with respect to royalties.
20. The rate applies with respect to participations of at least 20% of voting power or capital, as the case
may be.
21. The rate under the treaty is 15%. However, by virtue of a most favoured nation clause, the rate is
reduced to 5% with respect to certain types of interests:
(a) interest derived by a financial institution which is unrelated to and dealing wholly independently
with the payer. Under the Australia-Chile treaty, the rate for such interest is 5%;
(b) for all the other types of interest, see n. 12. Under the Chile-Spain treaty, the rate for such inter-
est is 5%.
22. The 5% rate applies to royalties from the use of, or right to use, any industrial, commercial or scien-
tific equipment. The general rate under the treaty is 15%. However, by virtue of a most favoured
nation clause, the rate is reduced to 10%. Under the Chile-Spain treaty, the general rate is 10%.
23. The rate under the treaty is 15%. However, by virtue of a most favoured nation clause, the rate is
reduced to 5% with respect to certain types of interests:
(a) interest derived by a financial institution which is unrelated to and dealing wholly independently
with the payer. Under the Australia-Chile treaty, the rate for such interest is 5%;
(b) for all the other types of interest, see n. 12. Under the Chile-Spain treaty, the rate for such inter-
est is 5%.
24. The 10% rate applies to royalties from the use of, or right to use, any industrial, commercial or sci-
entific equipment. The general rate under the treaty is 15%. However, by virtue of a most favoured
nation clause, the rate is reduced to 10%. Under the Chile-Spain treaty, the general rate is 10%.
25. The general rate under the treaty is 15%. However, by virtue of a most favoured nation clause, the rate
is reduced to 10%. Under the Australia and Chile treaty, the rate for such interest is 10%.
26. A most favoured nation clause may be applicable with respect to royalties.
27. A most favoured nation clause may be applicable with respect to interest and royalties.
28. The 5% rate applies to interest derived from loans granted by banks and insurance companies, bonds
and securities regularly and substantially traded on a recognized securities market and qualifying
sales on credit of machinery and equipment.
29. The rates under the treaty are 5% and 15%. However, by virtue of a most favoured nation clause, the
rates are reduced to:
(a) 4% for interest paid to a bank, an insurance company, a lending or finance business, an enterprise
selling machinery or equipment on credit, or any other enterprise, provided that in the three
taxable years preceding the taxable year in which the interest is paid, the enterprise derives
more than 50% of its liabilities from the issuance of bonds in the financial markets or from taking
deposits at interest, and more than 50% of the assets of the enterprise consist of debt-claims
against unrelated persons, and
(b) 10% for interest paid as part of an arrangement involving back-to-back loans, or other arrange-
ments that are economically equivalent and intended to have a similar effect.
Under the Chile and Japan treaty, the rate for such interest is 4% and 10%. Furthermore, under the
Chile and Japan treaty, the general rate of 15% shall be reduced to 10% from 1 January 2019.
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30. The 5% rate applies to royalties from the use of, or right to use, any industrial, commercial or scien-
tific equipment. However, by virtue of a most favoured nation clause, the rate is reduced to 2% for
such royalties. Under the Chile and Japan treaty, the rate for such royalties is 2%.
31. There is no withholding tax if the beneficial owner of the dividends is a pension fund, provided that
such dividends are not derived from the carrying on of a business by such pension fund or through an
associated enterprise.
32. 5% applies if the beneficial owner is a company that has owned directly, for the period of six months
ending on the date on which entitlement to the dividends is determined, at least 25% of the voting
power in the dividend-paying company. There is no withholding tax if the beneficial owner of the div-
idends is a pension fund, provided that such dividends are not derived from the carrying on of a busi-
ness by such pension fund or through an associated enterprise.
33. A most favoured nation clause may be applicable with respect to interest and royalties. The MFN
clause states that if Chile concludes a convention with another state with a lower rate, the contract-
ing states, at the request of Japan, shall consult with a view to amending the treaty in order to incor-
porate such lower rates.
34. A general rate of 15% applies up to 31 December 2018, and thereafter a general rate of 10% applies.
The rate of 4% applies to interest paid to a bank, an insurance company, a lending or finance business,
an enterprise selling machinery or equipment on credit, or any other enterprise, provided that in the
three taxable years preceding the taxable year in which the interest is paid, the enterprise derives
more than 50% of its liabilities from the issuance of bonds in the financial markets or from taking
deposits at interest, and more than 50% of the assets of the enterprise consist of debt-claims against
unrelated persons. Nevertheless, the rate of 10% applies (instead of 4%) if the interest is paid as part
of an arrangement involving back-to-back loans, or other arrangements that are economically equiv-
alent and intended to have a similar effect.
35. The rates under the treaty are 10% and 15%. However, by virtue of a most favoured nation clause, the
rate is reduced to 5% with respect to certain types of interest:
(a) interest derived by a financial institution which is unrelated to and dealing wholly independently
with the payer. Under the Australia-Chile treaty, the rate for such interest is 5%;
(b) for all the other types of interest, see n. 12. Under the Chile-Spain treaty, the rate for such inter-
est is 5%.
36. The 5% rate applies to royalties from the use of, or right to use, any industrial, commercial or scien-
tific equipment. The general rate under the treaty is 15%. However, by virtue of a most favoured
nation clause, the rate is reduced to 10%. Under the Chile-Spain treaty, the general rate is 10%.
37. A most favoured nation clause may be applicable with respect to interest.
38. The rate under the treaty is 15%. However, by virtue of a most favoured nation clause , the rate is
reduced to 5% for interest from loans granted by banks; also 5% for interest derived by a financial insti-
tution which is unrelated to and dealing wholly independently with the payer and to 10% for interest
from loans granted by insurance companies, from bonds or securities regularly and substantially
traded on a recognized securities market, and for interest in relation to sales on credit of machinery
and equipment. Under the Chile-Spain and Australia-Chile treaties, the rate for such interest is 5%.
However, due to a restriction in the MFN clause, the rate for certain types of interest cannot be
reduced below 10%.
39. The general rate under the treaty is 15%. However, by virtue of amost favoured nation clause, the rate
is reduced to 10%. Under the Chile-Spain treaty, the general rate is 10%.
40. A most favoured nation clause may be applicable with respect to interest.
41. The general rate under the treaty is 10%. However, by virtue of amost favoured nation clause the rate
is reduced to 5% with respect to royalties which are paid for the use of, or the right to use, any indus-
trial, scientific or commercial equipment. Under the Australia-New Zealand treaty, the rate is 5% for
such royalties.
42. The rate under the treaty is 15%. However, by virtue of a most favoured nation clause, the rate is
reduced to 5% with respect to certain types of interest:
(a) interest derived by a financial institution which is unrelated to and dealing wholly independently
with the payer. Under the Australia-Chile treaty, the rate for such interest is 5%;
(b) for all the other types of interest, see n. 12. Under the Chile-Spain treaty, the rate for such inter-
est is 5%.
43. The 5% rate applies to royalties from the use of, or right to use, any industrial, commercial or scien-
tific equipment. The general rate under the treaty is 15%. However, by virtue of amost favoured nation
clause, the rate is reduced to 10%. Under the Chile-Spain treaty, the general rate is 10%.
44. A most favoured nation clause may be applicable with respect to interest and royalties.
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CORPORATE TAXATION DOING BUSINESS IN CHILE 2017
45. The rate under the treaty is 15%. However, by virtue of a most favoured nation clause, the rate is
reduced to 10%. Under the Chile-New Zealand treaty the rate is 10%.
46. The rate under the treaty is 15%. However, by virtue of a most favoured nation clause, the rate is
reduced to 5% with respect to certain types of interest:
(a) interest derived by a financial institution which is unrelated to and dealing wholly independently
with the payer. Under the Australia-Chile treaty, the rate for such interest is 5%;
(b) for all the other types of interest, see n. 12. Under the Chile-Spain treaty, the rate for such inter-
est is 5%.
47. The 5% rate applies to royalties from the use of, or right to use, any industrial, commercial or scien-
tific equipment. The general rate under the treaty is 15%. However, by virtue of amost favoured nation
clause, the rate is reduced to 10%. Under the Chile-Spain treaty, the general rate is 10%.
48. The 5% rate applies to interest from bonds or securities regularly and substantially traded on a rec-
ognized securities market and the 10% rate to interest from loans granted by banks and insurance com-
panies, and sales on credit of machinery and equipment where the beneficial owner is the seller.
49. A most favoured nation clause may be applicable with respect to interest.
50. A most favoured nation clause may be applicable with respect to interest and royalties.
51. A most favoured nation clause may be applicable with respect to interest and royalties.
52. A most favoured nation clause may be applicable with respect to interest and royalties.
53. The 10% rate applies to royalties from the use of, or the right to use, any copyright of literary, artistic
or scientific work, or for the use of, or the right to use, industrial, commercial or scientific equipment.
54. A most favoured nation clause may be applicable with respect to interest and royalties.
7. Anti-Avoidance
7.1. General
Effective from 30 September 2015, general anti-avoidance rules (GAARs) are intro-
duced by Law 20,780 of 2014, which are based on the “abuse of right” and the “con-
tract simulation principles”. The GAARs are applicable to facts, acts or transactions,
taking place as from that date. The tax administration must prove the avoidance or
simulation in the relevant procedures. However, where there is a special anti-avoid-
ance provision, that provision will prevail, e.g. provisions that allow the tax authority
to assess prices or values of certain transactions.
The main features of these rules are as follows:
Tax obligations arise and are due in accordance with the legal nature of facts, acts or
legal agreements, irrespective of the form or names given by interested parties. There
is no taxpayer’s good faith when taxable events are avoided through juridical acts or
transactions.
Taxable events cannot be avoided by abusing the legal forms. An abuse will be deemed
to occur where:
– the taxable event is fully or partially avoided; or
– the taxable amount or the tax obligations are reduced or postponed;
by means of juridical acts or transactions that, individually or in the aggregate,
produce no legal or economic results or effects of relevance for the taxpayer or for
another person other than those of a tax nature.
The reasonable choice of conducts and alternative conducts contemplated in tax law is
legitimate. Consequently, the result of a lower tax or deferred tax is not treated as an
abuse, provided that these effects are consequences provided by the tax law.
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DOING BUSINESS IN CHILE 2017 CORPORATE TAXATION
There is also abuse in the form of simulated acts or transactions. In these cases, taxes
must be levied on the facts effectively carried out by the parties, independently of the
simulated acts or transactions. For tax purposes, there is “simulation” when legal acts
and transactions dissimulate the taxable event or the elements of the tax obligation or
its real amount or the date on which it arises.
The existence of abuse or simulation must be declared by the Tax and Customs Court
upon request of the Commissioner of the tax administration. This request is limited to
cases involving amounts exceeding 250 monthly tax units upon the date of the request.
Before filing the request, the tax administration must notify the taxpayer and give him
the opportunity to be heard in advance. The request to the court must be filed within
9 months following the taxpayer’s response or, if there is no response, within 9 months
from the notification referred to. Exceptionally, where the remaining period of the
statute of limitations for a tax audit is lower than 9 months, such request to the court
must be filed within that remaining period. During the court proceedings, the course of
the statute of limitations is suspended.
Under Law 20,899 of 2016, the GAARs are applicable to acts or transactions (or a group
or series of acts or transactions) carried out or concluded after 30 September 2015.
Therefore, acts or transactions concluded before that date may not be affected by the
GAARs, this is the case where the features or elements of those acts or transactions,
which determine a specific tax treatment, are established before that date, even if
they continue to have tax effects afterwards. If features or elements of acts or trans-
actions are modified after 30 September 2015, the GAARs apply only to the particular
consequences of the modified acts or transactions.
7.2. Transfer pricing
Transfer pricing rules are applicable to:
– transactions between related parties;
– dealings between PEs and head offices or other PEs of the same enterprise; and
– business restructurings and company reorganizations that imply the transfer
abroad of any title of assets and activities that could generate taxable income in
Chile (before Law 20,780, the rules were applicable only in case of transfers of
assets and activities to tax havens or low-tax jurisdictions).
The rules are based on the arm’s length principle and cover definition of related par-
ties, transfer pricing methods, studies, adjustments by the tax administration, report
obligations, advanced price agreements (APAs) and corresponding adjustments.
The taxpayer has to substantiate to the satisfaction of the tax administration that its
operations are carried on at arm’s length. If this is not the case, the tax administration
is empowered to make transfer pricing adjustments. The increase of the taxable base
is subject to a final tax at the rate of 35%. In addition, a fine equal to 5% of the balance
is imposed.
Arm’s length principle: The prices, values or profitability of cross border transactions
and reorganizations or restructures of enterprises entered into by residents with
foreign related parties must be agreed upon under the arm’s length principle.
Related parties are considered to constitute the following:
– if one person participates (directly or indirectly) in the management, control or
capital of the other person;
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CORPORATE TAXATION DOING BUSINESS IN CHILE 2017
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DOING BUSINESS IN CHILE 2017 CORPORATE TAXATION
Thin capitalization rates are generally not applicable to banks, insurance companies,
credit card companies and other financial entities authorized to operate by law and
subject to the supervision of the Supervisor of Banks and Financial Institutions, Super-
visor of Securities and Insurances or the Supervisor of Social Security.
According to Law 20,899 of 2016:
– the taxable base of the 35% tax includes the (i) interest that was subject to the 4%
rate; and (ii) the interest that was subject to any rate lower than 35% or that was
exempt from tax, under specific domestic law or a tax treaty in force;
– for the calculation of the debt/equity ratio, the total annual debt excludes the
debt contracted with non-related parties for a maturity period of 90 days or less;
and
– financial entities qualified as such by the Ministry of Finance are excluded from the
scope of the thin capitalization rules, provided that, inter alia, at least 90% of the
assets of such entities are loans granted to non-related persons for at least 330 days
(which will be determined at the end of each commercial year) and debts with
related and non-related parties do not exceed 120% of the total loans during the
commercial year.
The thin capitalization rules do not apply to income paid or remitted by financial enti-
ties approved by the Ministry of Finance or to multilateral international financial
bodies.
7.4. Controlled foreign company
Law 20,780 of 2014 introduced CFC legislation (article 41 G of the LIR) effective from
1 January 2016. Main features of these provisions, as amended by Law 20,899 of 2016,
are as follows:
Resident companies or individuals are deemed to have received or accrued passive
income derived by a foreign controlled entity.
The net passive income (excluding losses) is deemed to be received or accrued at the
end of the tax period in proportion to the participation’s rights and then it is subject to
the business income tax.
If the passive income derived by the foreign controlled entity is more than 80% of its
total profits, 100% profits are deemed to be passive income.
Taxpayers are granted the foreign tax credit for the foreign taxes paid or due with
respect to the passive income under the general rules (which distinguish whether a tax
treaty is applicable).
The CFC rules do not apply if:
– the passive income is less than 10% of the total profits;
– the value of the assets of the foreign controlled entity that may generate passive
income do not exceed 20% of the total value of its assets; or
– the passive income of the controlled entity was subject to income tax at an effec-
tive rate of at least 30% in the country of domicile, the country of incorporation or
where the entity is established.
Passive income includes: dividends and other profit distributions; interest; royalties
and similar income; rents from immovable property; and capital gains from immovable
property and from rights that generate passive income (certain exceptions apply).
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CORPORATE TAXATION DOING BUSINESS IN CHILE 2017
The expression “resident companies or individuals” includes any entities and “patri-
monies of affectation” constituted, domiciled or established in Chile.
A foreign controlled entity is any entity or “patrimony of affectation” that:
– is not resident, domiciled, or established in Chile (excluding foreign permanent
establishments of resident enterprises); and
– is directly or indirectly controlled by entities, individuals or patrimonies resident,
domiciled or constituted in Chile as follows:
– they owned or controlled more than 50% of the foreign entity’s capital, profits
or voting power;
– they have the power to elect the majority of directors or administrators of the
foreign entity; or
– they have the unilateral power to amend the foreign entity’s by-laws, or to
change the majority of its directors or administrators.
In addition, a foreign controlled entity is also an entity controlled by a foreign con-
trolled entity as described in the previous paragraph.
A foreign entity is deemed to be a “foreign controlled entity” (legal presumption)
where:
– it is resident, domiciled or established in a low-tax jurisdiction as defined in article
41H of the LIR; or
– a resident company or individual has directly or indirectly a purchase option with
respect to the foreign entity for 50% or more of its capital, profits or voting power.
If an entity is resident, domiciled or established in a low-tax jurisdiction, the entity is
also presumed to derive net passive income, and additional information requirements
are applicable.
Under article 41H of the LIR, a preferential tax jurisdiction is a jurisdiction (excluding
OECD member countries) that satisfies two of the following conditions:
– it has an effective tax rate on foreign-source income lower than 17.5%;
– it does not have an exchange of information agreement with Chile;
– it does not have transfer pricing legislation that allows its tax authorities to deter-
mine transfer pricing based on the guidance from the OECD or the UN;
– it has preferential regimes which is inconsistent with the standards of the OECD;
– it has a territorial system of taxation; or
– it is not considered compliant or largely compliant with the international standards
on transparency and exchange of information by the OECD.
7.5. Other anti-avoidance rules
7.5.1. Low-tax jurisdictions
The Finance Ministry provides a list of countries considered tax havens or low-tax juris-
dictions and article 41H of the income tax law also provides for criteria to qualify as a
preferential tax jurisdiction (see section 7.4.). Various provisions apply and others are
restricted with respect to taxpayers carrying out transactions with countries that
appear on this list, including the following (see also sections 6.3.3. and 6.3.4.):
– according to “the business platform regime” (for this special offshore company
regime, see section 1.7.5.), which enables foreign investors to set up a platform
company in Chile for channelling and managing investments in third countries
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DOING BUSINESS IN CHILE 2017 CORPORATE TAXATION
without having to pay Chilean tax on income from these overseas investments, (i)
shareholders holding at least 10% of the capital or profits of business platform com-
panies must not be residents of countries included on the list; and (ii) business plat-
form companies may provide services to subsidiaries and associated companies,
provided they are not located in countries included on the list;
– with respect to the application of the transfer pricing provisions (see section 7.2.),
parties are presumed to be related when resident enterprises carry out transac-
tions with enterprises incorporated in the countries included on the list or with
preferential tax jurisdictions that qualify under article 41H;
– certain withholding tax rates increase if the non-resident is resident of a listed tax
haven or qualifies as a preferential tax jurisdiction under the general criteria of
article 41H (see sections 6.3.3. and 6.3.4.);
– under CFC rules there are certain legal presumptions of “control” and “passive
income” applicable to entities resident in preferential tax jurisdictions under the
general criteria of article 41H or included in the list of tax havens;
– in the application of the thin capitalization provisions (see section 7.3.), parties
are considered to be related if the financial transaction is carried out with persons
resident or domiciled in the countries included on the list or with preferential tax
jurisdictions that qualifies under article 41H; and
– non-residents trading in shares of joint-stock companies, whether or not quoted on
a Chilean stock exchange, may obtain the tax registration number (RUT) necessary
to carry out these transactions from an institution acting as an intermediary or
from a Chilean stockbroker (withholding agent), but foreign investors are not eli-
gible for this benefit if their country of residence is included on the list.
7.5.2. Other anti-avoidance provisions
Income from the alienation of shares, corporate rights or other rights representing the
capital of a legal entity established abroad, which derives their value directly or indi-
rectly from underlying assets located in Chile (e.g. participations in resident entities,
movable or immovable property in Chile), where certain specific conditions and
thresholds are met, is considered Chilean-source income. This income is subject to a
withholding tax at the rate of 35%.
Certain non-deductible amounts must be added to the net income of a company that
pays its tax on actual income and are deemed to be distributed at the end of a tax
period. These amounts include: withdrawals in kind; amounts representing cash dis-
bursements not corresponding to the value or cost of assets, loans made by limited lia-
bility companies to their individual partners or to non-resident taxpayers; and, in the
case of the use or enjoyment of assets belonging to the company by the partner, his
spouse, his dependent children or a shareholder, an amount equal to a percentage of
the asset’s value.
8. Value Added Tax
8.1. General
VAT is levied on domestic taxable supplies of movable property, immovable property
(excluding land), and services made by a taxable person, as well as on imports of
goods. Exports of goods and some services are zero-rated. Some specified transactions
are exempt without credit for previously paid VAT.
VAT applies to all stages of production and distribution processes.
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CORPORATE TAXATION DOING BUSINESS IN CHILE 2017
8.7. Non-residents
No refund scheme is available for non-resident persons.
9. Miscellaneous Taxes
9.1. Capital duty
No capital duty is levied in Chile upon the formation of companies or expansion of cap-
ital.
9.2. Transfer tax
9.2.1. Immovable property
There is no transfer tax in Chile with respect to the transfer of immovable property.
For the taxation of capital gains, see section 1.4.
9.2.2. Shares, bonds and other securities
There is no transfer tax in Chile with respect to the transfer of securities. For the tax-
ation of capital gains, see sections 1.4. and 1.7.
9.3. Stamp duty
Stamp duty (impuesto de timbres y estampillas) is imposed on certain specified acts.
It has a limited scope and is basically applied only with respect to documents repre-
senting a debt claim (e.g. bills of exchange or promissory notes). The taxable base is
the amount of the capital specified in the document. The tax rate varies depending on
the period of the loan.
The rate is 0.066% from 1 January 2016 of the value of the document for each month of
the loan’s term, up to a maximum of 0.8%.
In respect of documents representing debt-claim transactions without maturity, i.e.
payable on sight (e.g. bank credit lines), the tax rate is 0.332% from 1 January 2016 of
their value, and in respect of documents that contain a loan payable at sight or
without maturity term, the rate is 0.066% from 1 January 2017.
9.4. Customs duty
Customs duties are levied on the customs value of imports (determined on the basis of
the agreement concerning the application of the GATT Art. VII of 1994 and including
transfer expenses and insurance) at the general rate of 6%. Free trade and comple-
mentary economic agreements contain reduced tariff rates. There are no export
duties.
9.5. Excise duty
In addition to VAT, excise or sales taxes apply on the sale and/or importation of specific
goods. The taxable base is the same as for VAT purposes. The following examples of
taxable goods and the related tax rates can be given:
– alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and similar goods, whether sold or imported
habitually or otherwise, are subject to tax at various rates, i.e. from 10% to 31.5%,
depending on the alcohol content (article 42 of the VAT Law as amended by Law
20,780). Previously, the tax rates varied from 13% to 27%; and
– luxury goods (e.g. gold, platinum, ivory, jewels, etc.) are subject to tax at a rate of
15% (depending on the product, the tax may be applicable only to the first sale or
import, or also to subsequent transactions).
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DOING BUSINESS IN CHILE 2017 CORPORATE TAXATION
Excise duties may also apply on a taxable base that is calculated under specific for-
mulas, such as:
– tobacco is subject to tax at different rates depending on the product, i.e. cigars:
52.6% on the selling price to the consumer; cigarettes: 0.0010304240 monthly tax
units per cigarette plus 30% on sale price to customer inclusive of taxes; and pro-
cessed tobacco: 59.7% on the selling price to the consumer (articles 3 to 5 of
Decree Law 828 of 1974 as amended by Law 20,780);
– a fuel tax is levied on the first sale or import of automobile gasoline and diesel. Bio-
diesel and bioethanol are not subject to this specific tax; and
– new motor vehicles, and small and medium-sized motor vehicles are subject to a
single additional tax denominated in UTMs which is calculated under specific for-
mulas (in addition to VAT).
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INDIVIDUAL TAXATION DOING BUSINESS IN CHILE 2017
CHILE
This chapter is based on information available up to 2 February 2017.
Introduction
Individuals are subject to income tax. An inheritance and gift tax is also levied. There
is no individual net wealth tax. Employees must make social security contributions.
The tax system is applicable throughout the entire Chilean territory.
The tax administration is the Servicio de Impuestos Internos (SII).
The currency is the peso (CLP).
Chilean tax system provides a comprehensive system of monetary adjustments to
offset the effects of inflation.
The “monthly tax unit” is a tax adjustment index and its value is adjusted monthly by
the tax administration in accordance with inflation. The “annual tax unit” is equal to
12 monthly tax units. The “tax unit” is used, inter alia, to determine certain applicable
tax rates, in some cases whether or not the income or gain is taxable, and the amount
of fines.
On 29 September 2014, Law 20,780 was published in the Official Gazette. The law pro-
vides for a structural reform of the tax system of the country with different effective
dates over a 4-year period. Law 20,780 provides, inter alia, a new income tax regime
effective from 2017, which is considered the most relevant tax reform over the last 30
years (see Corporate Taxation section 1.1.). On 8 February 2016, Law 20,899 was pub-
lished in the Official Gazette introducing further amendments to the tax system,
including also the new income tax regime. Several regulations and administrative
interpretation concerning this law have been published. In this survey, amendments
introduced by Law 20,780 and Law 20,899 are reflected as they become effective.
1. Individual Income Tax
1.1. Taxable persons
Residents and persons domiciled in Chile are subject to income tax. Residents are indi-
viduals present in Chile for more than 6 months in either 1 calendar year or in 2 con-
secutive calendar years. Domiciled persons are individuals that have the intention to
stay in Chile on a permanent basis, which can be assumed from the person’s circum-
stances (e.g. employment contract, the person’s family residence, children’s school,
etc.).
Estates of deceased persons may be considered taxable persons for 3 calendar years.
With respect to married couples, in general each spouse must submit a tax return sep-
arately, reporting their own income. However, married couples may be required to file
a joint income tax return, e.g. where they have joint ownership of their property or a
spouse administers the goods of the other.
Generally, there are no fiscally transparent persons in Chile.
1.2. Taxable income
1.2.1. General
Residents or domiciled persons are liable to income tax on their worldwide income.
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DOING BUSINESS IN CHILE 2017 INDIVIDUAL TAXATION
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INDIVIDUAL TAXATION DOING BUSINESS IN CHILE 2017
on actual income, are not considered income for income tax purposes up to 8,000
indexed units (unidades de fomento, UF), provided that certain specific require-
ments are met. Any capital gains above the 8,000 UF is taxable with the individual
income tax or by a 10% final tax upon taxpayer´s choice (when the taxpayer is res-
ident or domiciled in Chile); or to the non-resident income tax when the taxpayer
is not resident or domiciled in Chile. The 8,000 UF is determined per each individ-
ual during his entire life (not per alienation). For capital gains arising from the
alienation of immovable property acquired before 1 January 2004, not being con-
sidered income for income tax purposes, legislation existing prior Law 20,780
applies;
– capital gains from the alienation of shares acquired before 31 January 1984;
– other capital gains from the alienation of shares and securities (see Corporate Tax-
ation sections 1.4. and 1.7.);
– rents derived from non-luxury residences not exceeding 140 square metres, con-
structed under Decree with Force of Law 2 of 1959 are excluded from any income
taxation under certain conditions. The same applies to rents from leasing with a
purchase option, provided that the house has not been constructed by the lessor;
and
– capital gains from the alienation of shares when derived by persons that are not
subject to business income tax on actual net income, provided that the gains do not
exceed 10 annual tax units and the transaction does not take place between
related parties.
With respect to exempt income, various exemptions are generally granted to employ-
ees and other taxpayers in respect of Chilean-source income, provided that the recip-
ient has no other income or activity. These exemptions include:
– income from movable capital (e.g. interest) is exempt from individual income tax,
provided that it does not exceed, in the aggregate, 20 monthly tax units;
– capital gains derived from the alienation of shares in joint-stock companies are
exempt from business income tax and individual income tax, provided that they do
not exceed, in the aggregate, 20 monthly tax units;
– up to 31 December 2016, capital gains from the alienation of shares when derived
by persons that are not subject to business income tax on actual net income, pro-
vided that the gains did not exceed 10 monthly tax units and 10 annual tax units. As
from 1 January 2017, provided that certain requirements are met, capital gains are
not considered income for income tax purposes; and
– capital gains derived from the redemption of shares in mutual funds are exempt
from individual income tax, provided that they do not exceed 30 monthly tax units.
Exempt income is included in taxable income for determining the applicable progres-
sive tax rates.
In addition, there is a deferral of income tax on capital gains from the redemption of
interests (“units”) in mutual funds. Such redemption is not considered a “redemp-
tion”, and thus is not taxable if the interests in the mutual fund are sold to reinvest the
proceeds in other mutual funds administered by the same or a different managing
company.
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DOING BUSINESS IN CHILE 2017 INDIVIDUAL TAXATION
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INDIVIDUAL TAXATION DOING BUSINESS IN CHILE 2017
31 December 2014 (i.e. regimes provided by articles 14 bis or 14 quarter LIR) could opt
to continue to be taxed under those regimes until 31 December 2016. Effective 1
January 2017, a new special regime will be effective under a new article 14 ter of the
LIR. Under the regime the taxpayer is basically subject to ordinary income tax on the
surplus of receipts over disbursements based on his records and invoices.
There is also a simplified income tax regime on presumptive income for small agricul-
tural, land transport or mining businesses. For this purpose, annual sales or gross
receipts must not exceed specific legal thresholds. The tax base is a percentage of the
value of the immovable properties, vehicles or annual net sales of mining products.
Under Law 20,899, businesses may only be subject to this regime when they are
formed exclusively by individuals during the time the regime is applicable.
Companies formed by professionals performing exclusively professional services or
consultancy may choose, within the first 3 months of the commercial year, to report
their income under business income tax rules. Once made, the election is irrevocable.
This option permits and is used (under general rules) to postpone taxation until income
withdrawal. Effective from 2017, this will depend on the type of income tax regime
chosen (see Corporate Taxation section 1.1.).
1.5. Investment income
Investment income derived by resident or domiciled individuals is generally subject to
individual income tax.
Under Law 20,780 of 2014, interest, dividends and other income derived from term
deposits, savings accounts, mutual funds quotas and other financial instruments, as
determined by the Ministry of Finance, issued by entities subject to control by specific
governmental entities (e.g. Supervisor of Banks and Financial Institutions), will not be
deemed to be derived by the individuals for individual income tax purposes until that
income is “withdrawn” by the taxpayer, i.e. the income is not subject to individual
income tax during the time it is saved or invested in these financial instruments. At any
time the taxpayer may opt to renounce this benefit and then he must include the total
amount of interest, dividends or other income pending of taxation in the taxable base
of the individual income tax. The total amount saved or invested under this benefit
may not exceed 100 annual tax units (unidad tributaria anual – UTA) per year (article
54 bis of the Income Tax Law).
1.5.1. Dividends
Up to 31 December 2016, dividends and other profit distributions were included in the
individual income tax taxable base. However, business income tax paid by the
company on the underlying profits was creditable against the tax imposed on the dis-
tributions. The income was grossed up when computing the tax, i.e. the business
income tax paid on the business income out of which dividends and profits were dis-
tributed was also included in the taxable base. The tax rate was applied on total
income and the business income tax was credited against the tax due. Pursuant to Law
20,780, effective as from 1 January 2017, dividends and other profit distributions are
still included in the individual income taxable base and the business income tax paid by
the company on the underlying profits is still creditable against the tax imposed on
distributions. The amount of credit available will depend however on the type of
income tax regime chosen (i.e. for integrated income tax regime, the full credit
amount, while for partially integrated tax regime, a credit limited to 65% of the rate of
business income tax levied).
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DOING BUSINESS IN CHILE 2017 INDIVIDUAL TAXATION
Dividends and other profit distributions paid by Chilean companies out of receipts not
considered to be income are not subject to individual income tax or non-resident
income tax (see Corporate Taxation section 1.1.).
Law 20,780 eliminated, as of 1 January 2017, the reinvestment benefit according to
which individual income tax or non-resident income tax was deferrable under certain
circumstances. According to said reinvestment benefit, sole proprietorships, non-res-
idents or non-domiciled persons with a permanent establishment in Chile and partners
of companies (except joint-stock companies) deriving profit distributions from such
enterprises, permanent establishments or companies, and that reinvested them in
another enterprise within 20 days were not subject to individual income tax or non-
resident income tax (until subsequent distribution by the receiving enterprise). Tran-
sitional provisions of Law 20,780 allowed the reinvestment mechanism for years 2015
and 2016 under more restrictive conditions.
1.5.2. Interest
Interest received by residents is included in taxable income.
1.5.3. Royalties
Royalties are normally treated as business income (see section 1.3.).
1.5.4. Income from immovable property
Pursuant to Law 20,780, up to 31 December 2015, income from agricultural immovable
property was subject to business income tax under general rules. The owner or usu-
fructuary could deduct the immovable property tax paid from the business income tax.
Under certain circumstances business income tax could be paid on estimated income.
Income from non-agricultural immovable property exceeding 11% of the cadastral
value in the tax year, or derived by persons other than the owner or usufructuary of the
property, was subject to business income tax and individual income tax under the
general rules. Income was exempt from business income tax, but subject to individual
income tax, if it did not exceed the 11% threshold and was derived by the owner or usu-
fructuary. In this case, income was presumed to be 7% of the cadastral value, but the
taxpayer could choose to be taxed on actual net income.
Effective as from 1 January 2016, notwithstanding the existence of a simplified income
tax regime on presumptive income for small agricultural businesses, income from
immovable property, whether agricultural or non-agricultural, is taxed on actual
income. Generally, the owner or usufructuary of the immovable property may deduct
the immovable property tax from the business income tax. Actual income derived from
non-agricultural immovable property by individuals is exempt from business income
tax.
1.6. Capital gains
Capital gains are generally considered ordinary income and are thus subject to busi-
ness income tax (and, subsequently, to individual income tax or non-resident income
tax with a credit for the business income tax paid) when realized, i.e. in the case of a
sale or disposition of fixed assets or in the case of “habitual” transactions as defined by
the law.
Capital gains may also be subject to special taxation, i.e. subject to a final tax, or not
considered to be taxable income. For tax-exempt capital gains, see section 1.2.2. and
Corporate Taxation sections 1.4. and 1.7.
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INDIVIDUAL TAXATION DOING BUSINESS IN CHILE 2017
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DOING BUSINESS IN CHILE 2017 INDIVIDUAL TAXATION
– the alienator habitually bought and sold shares (transactions were always consid-
ered “habitual” when included in the company’s deed of incorporation as part of
the business); or
– transactions were carried out by shareholders of an open joint-stock company,
owning 10% or more of the shares, or shareholders of a closed company limited by
shares, or members of other companies, or in the case of transactions between the
above shareholders or members and the joint-stock company or a company in
which they had an interest (related parties).
If none of the above circumstances applied, capital gains from the alienation of shares
were subject to a flat tax at the rate of 20% (impuesto único a la renta) and the income
was not subject to any further individual income tax or non-resident income tax.
However, capital gains from the alienation of shares acquired before 31 January 1984
were not considered income for tax purposes and, thus, were not subject to income
tax.
In addition, capital gains from the alienation of shares were exempt from tax when
derived by persons that were not subject to business income tax on actual net income,
provided that the gains did not exceed ten monthly tax units or ten annual tax units.
As from 1 January 2017, the flat tax regime no longer applies. Therefore, capital gains
obtained from the alienation of shares by taxpayers not subject to business income tax
on actual income are subject to individual income tax (resident individuals) or non-res-
ident income tax (non-residents). Capital gains from the alienation of shares obtained
by taxpayers subject to business income tax on actual income are subject to business
income tax as ordinary income and are subsequently subject to individual income tax
or non-resident income tax upon attribution or distribution (depending on the tax
regime) under general rules (i.e. business income tax is a credit against individual
income tax or non-resident income tax).
The income tax regime for capital gains from the alienation of shares acquired before
31 January 1984, remains in force.
Capital gains from the alienation of shares are not considered income for income tax
purposes when derived by individuals not subject to business income tax on actual
income, provided that the gains do not exceed 10 annual tax units (UTA) per year and
the transaction does not take place between related parties.
For other tax-exempt capital gains, see Corporate Taxation sections 1.7.3., 1.7.4. and
1.7.9.
1.7. Personal deductions, allowances and credits
1.7.1. Deductions
Employees and individual income tax taxpayers may deduct from their taxable income
interest paid during the taxable year on mortgages for the acquisition or construction
of dwellings up to a maximum amount which varies depending on the annual gross
income of the person.
Taxpayers may also deduct voluntary pension savings from their taxable income
(within certain limits).
1.7.2. Allowances
Generally, there are no basic or other allowances.
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INDIVIDUAL TAXATION DOING BUSINESS IN CHILE 2017
1.7.3. Credits
Taxpayer participants in mutual funds holding investments in shares may credit a
certain percentage of the gains obtained from the redemption of quotas in such mutual
funds and of gifts made for cultural or sporting purposes.
Taxpayers may credit the amount of education expenses for children (up to 25 years
old) up to a maximum of 4.4 development units per child, provided the total income of
both father and mother does not exceed 792 development units.
This section is not applicable to non-residents, see section 6.3.1.
1.8. Losses
Generally, losses may not be set off, except in the case of taxpayers deriving business
income subject to business income tax on actual income. If this is the case, losses are
deductible and up to 31 December 2016 could also be set off against profits that had
not been distributed. If the profits are not sufficient to offset the losses, the losses
may be carried forward indefinitely. When losses could be set off against non-distrib-
uted profits, the business income tax paid on such profits was treated as an advance
payment and could be set off against income taxes (business income tax, individual
income tax or non-resident income tax) or refunded. As from 1 January 2017, losses
can no longer be set off against non-distributed profits.
There are no special rules for capital losses. However, individual income tax taxpayers
are specifically authorized to offset certain investment income (e.g. dividends, inter-
est and life annuities) and capital gains against capital losses incurred in the same kind
of investment or transaction. Such losses may not be carried forward.
1.9. Rates
1.9.1. Income and capital gains
Annual individual income tax and employment income tax is levied at the following
rates as of 1 January 2017:
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DOING BUSINESS IN CHILE 2017 INDIVIDUAL TAXATION
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INDIVIDUAL TAXATION DOING BUSINESS IN CHILE 2017
3.1. Employed
Social security contributions are computed as a percentage of the employee’s total
monthly remuneration (i.e. salary, benefits in kind, bonuses, etc.). The maximum base
for the computation is 75.7 UF for 2017.
The rates for employee social security contributions are as follows:
– 10% of salaries (pension contribution);
– a percentage commission fee charged by the pension fund administrator for man-
agement services (this ranges approximately from 0.47% to 1.54%); and
– 7% for health insurance.
In addition, employees may also be subject to:
– contribution for “heavy” work: both the employer and the employee must contrib-
ute 2% of the salary (the percentage may be reduced to 1%); and
– employment insurance: the employer (2.4% of the part of the salary not exceeding
113.5 UF in 2017), the employee (0.6% of that part of salary with the same cap or
0% in of work contract for a fixed period) and the state (18,816 tax units per month)
must each contribute to finance this insurance.
Employers must withhold and pay the contributions.
In addition, employers must pay, inter alia, the premium for the disability and life
insurance irrespective of the number of workers, which is currently 1.41% (from July
2016 until June 2018).
3.2. Self-employed
Social security are compulsory for self-employed persons (pension contribution,
administration commission fee, disability and life insurance, and other labour law con-
tributions). The contributions are computed at ordinary rates on 80% of gross income
from independent personal services arising in the calendar year preceding the year in
which the income tax return is due for filing. The computation basis cannot be less
than the minimum salary nor exceed 74.3 development units. Effective 1 January
2018, health contributions (7%) are also compulsory without exception.
4. Taxes on Capital
4.1. Net wealth tax
Chile does not levy net wealth tax on individuals.
Domiciled individual entrepreneurs are subject to an annual municipal business
licence fee, normally calculated as a percentage of capital. The tax rate varies accord-
ing to the municipality and location within the municipality and ranges from 0.25% to
0.5%. It may not be less than one tax unit nor exceed 8,000 tax units. Taxpayers who
are not required to pay their income tax on the basis of a general balance sheet are
liable to an annual licence fee equal to one monthly tax unit.
4.2. Real estate tax
An immovable property tax (impuesto territorial or contribuciones de bienes raíces) is
levied on an annual basis on urban or rural immovable property. It is administered by
the central government and the revenue is allocated to the municipalities. Taxable
persons are the owners or users of the property.
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DOING BUSINESS IN CHILE 2017 INDIVIDUAL TAXATION
The taxable base is the official cadastral value. An exemption is granted for properties
whose cadastral value does not exceed a certain limit. The tax is levied on that part of
the cadastral value of each piece of immovable property exceeding the relevant
exempt limit without regard to the number of owners or to the taxpayer’s personal
wealth. For urban property used as dwelling house the rate is progressive and is
divided into three brackets, the limits of which are adjusted every semester for infla-
tion: the first bracket is exempt, the second is taxed at 0.980% and the third is taxed
at 1.143%. Other urban property is taxed at a flat 1.143% rate. Rural land is taxed at a
1% rate.
Owners or usufructuaries that lease agricultural property may credit the tax against
their liability to business income tax. In the case of non-agricultural property, up to 31
December 2015, the tax was creditable only if the rent belonged to a joint-stock
company or the property was leased for an annual rent representing in the aggregate
at least 11% of the cadastral value. Pursuant to Law 20,780, effective as from 1
January 2016, in the case of lease of non-agricultural property the immovable property
tax is creditable against business income tax provided that (i) the taxpayer is subject
to business income tax on actual income not determined according to full accounting
records and (ii) that the transaction does not take place between related parties. Non-
creditable immovable property tax is deductible for income tax purposes.
Taxable urban land without buildings or vacant is subject to the property tax and to a
100% surcharge. Property located in urban expansion areas or in rural areas is exempt
from the surcharge. In certain cases (subdivision of land, total demolition following
destruction due to causes of which the proprietor or dweller are not responsible) a 10-
year holiday may be granted.
5. Inheritance and Gift Taxes
Chile levies inheritance and gift tax (impuesto a las herencias, asignaciones y dona-
ciones) on the net value of transfers of property upon death or inter vivos gifts at pro-
gressive rates.
5.1. Taxable persons
Tax is imposed on the recipient of taxable property, i.e. heir or legatee of an inheri-
tance or bequest, or the donee of a gift.
5.2. Taxable base
Taxable property is the property of the decedent’s gross estate for purposes of its
apportionment to the recipients, or the specific gift. The value of taxable property
must be assessed by the taxpayer under rules provided in the law to calculate its
taxable value.
Taxable property includes:
– any Chilean-situs property of a decedent or donor, regardless of the nationality or
residence of the transferor and recipient;
– any foreign-situs property of a Chilean decedent or donor; and
– any foreign-situs property of a foreign decedent or donor who acquired that prop-
erty with Chilean-source resources.
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INDIVIDUAL TAXATION DOING BUSINESS IN CHILE 2017
Exempt property includes: bequests and gifts to the central or local government and,
generally, to non-profit entities with a charitable or similar purpose; re-adjustable
savings bonds of the central bank and long-term state bonds; and wages due to a dece-
dent employee.
5.3. Personal allowances
The tax is levied on each recipient’s taxable base. The taxable base is calculated as the
amount of the estate or gift apportioned to each recipient, reduced by a specific
amount depending on the recipient’s relationship with the decedent:
5.4. Rates
Rates are progressive and also depend on the relationship with the decedent or donor
(see categories above).
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DOING BUSINESS IN CHILE 2017 INDIVIDUAL TAXATION
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INDIVIDUAL TAXATION DOING BUSINESS IN CHILE 2017
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DOING BUSINESS IN CHILE 2017 INDIVIDUAL TAXATION
However, there are various specific non-resident income tax rates, depending on the
type of income.
6.3.1.1. Employment income
See section 6.3.1.2.
Director’s remuneration derived by non-residents is subject to withholding tax at the
rate of 35% on the gross amount.
6.3.1.2. Business and professional income
Generally, income from services is subject to withholding tax (non-resident income
tax) at the rate of 35% on the gross amount.
However, remuneration paid to non-residents for engineering and technical works, or
professional or technical works supplied in the form of an advice, report or draft
(plano), whether carried out in Chile or abroad, is subject to withholding tax at the
rate of 15%. The rate is increased to 20% if the creditor or beneficiary of the payment
is incorporated, domiciled or resident in a country included in the tax haven list or in
a preferential tax jurisdiction according to article 41H of the Income Tax Law. The
increase used to be applicable also for payments between related parties, but this was
repealed by Law 20,956.
Under Law 20,780 of 2014, income derived by all non-resident individuals from scien-
tific, cultural or sporting activities in Chile, arising exclusively from their work or
skills, is subject to non-resident income tax at the rate of 20% on the gross amount
(previously, this tax rate was applicable only to foreign individuals; article 60, para-
graph 2 of the ITL).
The treatment of Chilean-source business income derived by non-residents depends on
whether or not the non-resident has a permanent establishment in Chile.
Permanent establishments in Chile of non-residents are treated as separate entities
for income tax purposes. A permanent establishment (PE) of a non-resident person
operating in Chile is subject to income tax on its attributable worldwide income (pre-
viously, PEs were considered non-residents subject to tax on Chilean-source income).
Only the income originating from activities of the PE, or from assets assigned to, or
used by, the PE, is attributed to the PE.
The PE is considered an enterprise fully separated and independent from its head
office in respect of transactions made between the PE and enterprises related to the
head office or with other independent parties. However, some specific rules apply.
Income is generally subject to business income tax under general rules and to non-res-
ident income tax on remittances abroad at the general rate (except with respect to
interest). The business income tax paid is credited against the non-resident income
tax. Permanent establishments are also subject to the municipal licence.
Non-resident companies without a permanent establishment in Chile are subject to
non-resident income tax on their Chilean-source income, with a credit for the business
income tax paid with respect to that income.
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INDIVIDUAL TAXATION DOING BUSINESS IN CHILE 2017
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DOING BUSINESS IN CHILE 2017 INDIVIDUAL TAXATION
6.3.4. Administration
Non-residents deriving Chilean-source income directly are subject to final withholding
tax separately in respect of each item of income and capital gains, and thus are not
generally required to file tax returns. However, there are exceptions for non-residents
deriving certain types of Chilean-source income. Non-residents carrying on their activ-
ities through a permanent establishment in Chile and certain other non-residents must
file income tax returns and make a self-assessment of the tax due.
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DOING BUSINESS IN CHILE 2017
KEY FEATURES
Last reviewed:14 February 2017
A. General information
Sources of tax law Income Tax Law (Ley sobre Impuesto a la Renta,LIR)
VAT Law (Ley sobre Impuesto a las Ventas y Servicios,IVA)
Tax Code (Código Tributario)
Real Property Tax Law (Ley sobre Impuesto Territorial)
Stamp Tax Law (Ley sobre Impuesto de Timbres y
Estampillas)
Main types of business entities Joint-stock company (sociedad anónima,SA)
Simplified joint-stock company (sociedad por
acciones,SpA)
Limited liability company (sociedad de responsabilidad
limitada,SRL)
Accounting principles IFRS
Currency Chilean peso (CLP)
Foreign exchange control No
Official websites Tax Administration
http://www.sii.cl/
Ministry of Finance
http://www.minhda.cl/
Congress Library
http://www.bcn.cl/
Treasury
http://www.tesoreria.cl/web/index.jsp
B. Direct taxation: Companies
1. Resident companies
Residence A company is resident in Chile if it is incorporated in
Chile
Tax base Worldwide
Corporate tax rates 25% or 25.5%
Alternative minimum tax No
Capital gains Yes, part of business income
Listed shares exempt (under conditions)
Loss carry-forward Yes, indefinitely
Loss carry-back No
Unilateral double taxation relief Yes, ordinary tax credit method (with restrictions) and
deduction method
2. Non-resident companies
Corporate tax rates 35% (business income tax paid is creditable)
25% or 25.5% for PEs of non-resident companies
Capital gains on sale of shares in Yes, part of business income (also subject to non-
resident companies resident income tax, but business income tax paid is
creditable)
Listed shares exempt (under conditions)
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DOING BUSINESS IN CHILE 2017 KEY FEATURES
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KEY FEATURES DOING BUSINESS IN CHILE 2017
Unilateral double taxation relief Yes, ordinary tax credit method (with restrictions) and
deduction method
Social security contributions 10% of salaries for pensions plus commission fee for
pension fund management services
7% for health services
2. Non-resident individuals
Income tax rates 35% (business income tax paid is creditable)
Capital gains on sale of shares in 35% (business income tax paid is creditable)
resident companies tax exemption under conditions
Capital gains on sale of 35% (business income tax paid is creditable)
immovable property tax exemption under conditions
Withholding tax rates
Employment income 35%, 20%, 15%
Dividends 35% (business income tax paid is creditable)
Interest 35%, 4%
Royalties 30%, 20%, 15%
Fees (technical) 15% (20% under certain conditions)
Fees (directors) 15% (20% under certain conditions)
D. Indirect taxation: Value added tax (VAT)/Goods and services tax (GST)
Taxable events Supply of goods, supply of services, importation
VAT/GST (standard) 19%
VAT/GST (reduced) No
VAT/GST (increased) No
Registration/deregistration No
threshold
VAT group No
E. Other taxes
Inheritance and gift taxes Yes
Net wealth tax (individual) No
Net wealth tax (corporate) No, but annual business licence fee as percentage of
capital
Real estate taxes Yes
Capital duty No, but annual business licence fee as percentage of
capital
Transfer tax No
Stamp duty Yes
Excise duties Yes
Other main taxes Special tax on mining income
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DOING BUSINESS IN CHILE 2017 KEY FEATURES
68
This publication has been carefully prepared, but should be seen as general
CONTACT guidance only and cannot address the particular needs of any individual or entity.
The information contained within it is based upon information available up to the
BDO Auditores & Consultores LTDA dates mentioned at the heading of each chapter. While every reasonable effort has
Av. Américo Vespucio Sur 100 been taken by the IBFD and BDO to ensure the accuracy of the matter contained in
Piso 11 this publication, you should not act upon it without obtaining specific professional
Las Condes advice: the information contained herein should not be regarded as a substitute for
7580150 Santiago such. Please contact BDO to discuss these matters in the context of your particular
CHILE circumstances. The IBFD and BDO accept no responsibility for any loss incurred as a
Tel. +56 2 2729 5000 result of acting on information in this publication.
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