In Colombia, personal income taxes are known as renta personas naturales, and income tax filing is known as declaración de renta. The tax filing season in Colombia is much later than in the U.S., most notably, it starts in August for filing income taxes for the prior year.
For 2026, during the month of January, the Dirección de Impuestos y Aduanas Nacionales (DIAN), Colombia’s tax authority, published the official tax calendar, defining the filing dates for various taxes, including personal income tax. If you are from the U.S., you can think of DIAN as the Colombian equivalent of the IRS.
We highly recommend consulting a Colombian tax specialist if you believe you need to file income taxes in Colombia or are considering moving to the country to understand the tax implications, and even if you need help with the RUT for individuals.
Beware that there is a lot of out-of-date and inaccurate information about Colombian income taxes in English found on the Internet.
For example, some websites still claim that expats with residency status in Colombia aren’t taxed on worldwide income until they have been a tax resident for five years. However, this information has been outdated since 2013. Currently, you become a tax resident in Colombia and are required to file income taxes if you reside in the country for more than 183 days within a 12-month period.
For this article, we will use an example exchange rate of $3,750 Colombian pesos per US dollar. The UVT for 2026 is 52.374 Colombian pesos.
Who Needs to File Colombian Income Taxes?
You are considered a tax resident in Colombia if you stay in the country for more than 183 total days during a year, whether this time is continuous or not.
In addition, a year for determining tax residence is any 365 days. It’s not necessarily a calendar year and can even straddle two years. For example, if you were in Colombia for 130 days in the last six months of 2024 and then spent 53 days in the first six months of 2025, you would be considered a Colombian tax resident for 2025 (Estatuto Tributario-Tax Statute, Article 10)
If you are considered a Colombian tax resident and during 2025 you meet any of the following conditions, you must file your 2025 income tax in Colombia in 2026:
- Earned income during the year 2025 for a value greater than 1,400 UVT, which is equivalent to $69,718,600 Colombian pesos or approximately $18,591 USD.
- Made purchases or total consumption during 2025 with Colombian financial products for a value greater than 1,400 UVT, equivalent to $69,718,600 Colombian pesos or approximately $18,591 USD.
- Made purchases during 2025 with Colombian credit cards for a value greater than 1,400 UVT, equivalent to $69,718,600 Colombian pesos or approximately $18,591 USD.
- Made movements in Colombian bank accounts, deposits, or financial investments in Colombia during 2025 for a value greater than 1,400 UVT, equivalent to $69,718,600 Colombian pesos or approximately $18,591 USD.
- If as of December 31, 2025, your net worth was greater than 4,500 UVT, which is equivalent to $224,095,500 Colombian pesos or approximately $59,758 USD.
However, if you are not a tax resident in Colombia, you will only have to file income tax in 2025 if you meet any of the following conditions:
- During 2025, your income obtained in Colombia was greater than 1,400 UVT (equivalent to $69,718,600 COP or $18,591 USD) and the payer did not withhold at source.
- If as of December 31, 2025, your net worth in Colombia was greater than 4,500 UVT, equivalent to $224,095,500 COP or $59,758 USD.
If you did not meet any of the above conditions, you do not have to file income tax in Colombia in 2025.
If in the past years, you met the conditions and filled your income tax, your still have to do it every year. Once you adquire the "Income Tax Responsability" (Code 05 in the RUT - Tax ID), you must fill out your income tax yearly.
What Incomes are Taxed in Colombia?
Colombia taxes the worldwide income of tax residents, while non-residents are taxed only on income sourced within Colombia. It is important to note that filing an income tax is not the same as paying taxes. If you were a tax resident of Colombia in 2025 and your worldwide income was $18,591 USD or higher during that year, you are legally required to file an income tax return in Colombia for 2025, even if 100% of that income is exempt from taxation.
Most types of income must be reported in Colombia, including salaries, rental income, and foreign pensions. While foreign pensions were previously fully taxable according to an old ruling from DIAN, the law has changed. According to Article 206 (Numeral 5) of the Colombian Tax Statute, updated by the most recent tax reform, foreign pensions are now treated the same as domestic Colombian pensions. This means your retirement income or pension is exempt from income tax up to a maximum limit of 1,000 UVT per month (equivalent to $49,799,000 COP, or approximately $13,280 USD per month). Therefore, while you must declare this income on your tax return to comply with the law, this exemption effectively makes the foreign pension tax-free in Colombia for most expats.
Additionally, under Article 206 (Numeral 10) of the Tax Statute, 25% of all labor-related income—including salaries and compensation for personal services—is automatically exempt from income tax. However, be aware that this exemption has an annual cap. For 2025, the maximum allowable exemption is 790 UVT per year (equivalent to $39,341,210 COP, or approximately $10,491 USD annually).
Capital gains, including inheritances, gifts, profits from the sale of stocks, and real estate sales, are taxed in Colombia at a rate of 15%. However, gains from the sale of stocks on the Colombian exchange are exempt, provided that the stocks do not represent more than 10% of the total shares of the Colombian company.
Additionally, Colombia does not allow joint tax filings. Each individual is required to file separately if they meet the filing requirements.
Are any Penalties for Not Filing Income Taxes in Colombia?
I have met some expats living full-time in Colombia who do not file taxes, even though they are likely required to do so. Be aware that there are penalties for failing to file when required, and these can be quite severe. This applies even if you don’t owe taxes but are still obligated to submit the income tax.
Colombian tax law specifies how penalties are calculated for failing to file, filing late, or submitting returns with errors. The penalty amount varies depending on the case, but according to the law, it can never be lower than the official minimum penalty of 10 UVT. For the 2025 tax year, this is equivalent to $497,990 COP (or approximately $133 USD).
Additionally, if you plan to become a dual citizen in Colombia—which is possible after holding a resident visa for five years—one requirement is to show that you have filed income tax in Colombia.
When to File Colombian Income Taxes?
Your filing date for Colombian income taxes is based on the last two digits of your Colombian tax ID number, the Número de Identificación Tributaria (NIT). This can be found on a DIAN form called the Registro Único Tributario (RUT).
For the 2025 tax year, income tax filing begins on August 12, 2026, and runs through late October or early November 2026.
The entire schedule of DIAN filing dates is available here. Your individual filing date may change each year based on the last two digits of your NIT. For example, some years, my filing date was in October; this year, it is in August.
How to Get a RUT (and NIT Number), the equivalent to TIN in USA?
To get a RUT form, you must schedule a face-to-face or virtual appointment with a DIAN official here. On the RUT form, you will receive your NIT number, which is your Colombian tax identification number. The last two digits of your NIT determine your required filing date. You can read an expert blog about RUT that expatgroup.co wrote some time ago.
When scheduling your appointment, you will receive an email containing information and requirements that you must meet before your appointment.
For the appointment, you must bring your original identification (identity card or passport), your appointment number, and, if the appointment is in person, a copy of your identification (the front and back of your identity card or the data page of your passport).
You can find a Medellín branch in the Alpujarra administrative complex in El Centro. The address is Carrera 52 # 42-43. DIAN’s office is located in the basement of one of the buildings. Any security guard can direct you to the right building.
Arrive 15 minutes early for your appointment. When you arrive at DIAN, they will ask for your appointment number. Typically, you will need to wait outside until your appointment time is called. Then, you’ll enter the building and receive a number at the reception to wait your turn. Watch the monitors for your number.
Click here to see other DIAN locations in all the Colombian cities.
You will need more than just the RUT form from DIAN. DIAN requires an Electronic Signature (Firma Electrónica) to submit any tax return online. Whether you are filing your annual income tax return or declaring assets outside of Colombia, you must set up this electronic signature in your DIAN account before submitting. The entire process at DIAN to obtain a RUT takes about 30 minutes and requires moderate knowledge of Spanish.
For expats, the best decision is to hire an advisor such as expatgroup.co, to obtain the RUT. If you have other current processes with expatgroup.co, you can access this service, and they will ask you to sign a power of attorney before a notary and provide a copy of your ID card. They will handle everything else.
Get your Colombian TAX ID - RUT
Obtain your Colombian Tax ID (RUT) for Individuals. The Registro Único Tributario is required to open bank accounts in Colombia and file national taxes. Click the green button to obtain the RUT service from expatgroup.co.
What Are the Colombia Income Tax Rates?
Colombia has a progressive income tax system for individuals. This means that the rate of tax you pay depends on the amount of income you earn. The more you earn, the higher the rate applied to your income.
For tax residents, income is taxed based on the total amount of taxable income earned during the year. The tax rates apply to both Colombian and worldwide income. Non-residents are taxed only on income earned within Colombia. The rates are updated periodically, so it’s essential to understand the specific brackets that apply for each tax year.
2025 Income Tax Rates for Individuals
| Income Range (COP & USD Approx.) | Tax Rate | Tax Type |
|---|---|---|
|
Up to 1,090 UVT | $54,280,910 COP (approx. $14,475 USD) |
0% |
Exempt or No Tax |
|
1,091 to 1,700 UVT | $54,280,910 to $84,658,300 COP ($14,475 – $22,576 USD) |
19% |
Low Tax Bracket |
|
1,701 to 4,100 UVT | $84,658,300 to $204,175,900 COP ($22,576 – $54,447 USD) |
28% |
Medium Tax Bracket |
|
4,101 to 8,600 UVT | $204,175,900 to $428,271,400 COP ($54,447 – $114,206 USD) |
33% |
High Tax Bracket |
|
8,601 to 18,970 UVT | $428,271,400 to $944,687,030 COP ($114,206 – $251,917 USD) |
35%
|
Very High Tax Bracket |
|
18,971 to 31,000 UVT | $944,687,030 to $1,543,769,000 COP ($251,917 – $411,672 USD) |
37%
|
Premium Tax Bracket |
|
Over 31,000 UVT | From $1,543,769,000 COP ($411,672 USD) |
39%
|
Highest Tax Bracket |
It is important to understand that Colombia uses a progressive (marginal) tax system. This means you do not pay your highest tax rate on your entire income. Instead, your income is divided into brackets. For example, your first 1,090 UVT (approx. $14,475 USD) is always taxed at 0%. Then, only the portion of your income that falls into the next bracket is taxed at 19%, and so on. You only pay the 35%, 37%, or 39% rates on the specific chunk of income that exceeds those higher thresholds.
Because calculating these brackets, applying exemptions, and reporting worldwide income can get incredibly complex, we highly recommend contacting a certified Colombian tax specialist or accountant. A professional will analyze your unique situation, keep you legally compliant with DIAN, and ensure you are maximizing all your allowable deductions.
Unlike in the United States, Colombia does not have a separate tax table for married couples filing jointly. Each person must file their taxes individually. However, Colombian tax law allows for a limited deduction for dependents, which can reduce your taxable income.
Additionally, there are other legal deductions available that may be applied when filing your tax return. These deductions vary and can include certain expenses related to health, education, and pensions, among others. It’s advisable to consult a tax professional to understand which deductions you may qualify for.
How Can I Calculate Income Taxes in Colombia?
To determine your Colombian income tax, you start with your gross income and apply various deductions. These deductions are classified into three categories:
Income
Not Constituting Taxable Income
Deductions
Exempt Income
After subtracting these from your gross income, the remaining amount is your taxable income, which is then subject to Colombian income tax rates.
1. Income Not Constituting Taxable Income
These amounts are subtracted from your gross income before applying deductions:
- Mandatory pension contributions
- Mandatory health contributions
- Mandatory contributions to the Pension Solidarity Fund
- Voluntary contributions to pension funds, limited to 25% of income and up to a maximum of 2,500 UVT per year, equivalent to $124,497,500 COP (approx. $33,199 USD).
2. Deductions
These deductions reduce your taxable income:
| Deduction Type | Calculation Rule & Maximum Annual Cap | Equivalent Max Cap in COP & USD |
|---|---|---|
|
Mortgage loan interest |
Actual interest paid, up to 1,200 UVT |
$59,758,800 COP (approx. $15,936 USD) |
|
Standard dependent deduction |
10% of gross labor income, up to 384 UVT (Limited to 1 dependent only). |
$19,122,816 COP (approx. $5,099 USD) |
|
Payments for prepaid healthcare |
Actual payments made, up to 192 UVT |
$9,561,408 COP (approx. $2,550 USD) |
|
Additional dependent deduction (New Law) |
Fixed 72 UVT annually per dependent (Up to 4 dependents max, totaling 288 UVT). |
$3,585,528 COP (approx. $956 USD) per dependent |
3. Exempt Income
These contributions are exempt from taxation:
| Exempt Income Type | Maximum Limit (Annual) | Equivalent Max Cap in COP & USD |
|---|---|---|
|
Contributions to voluntary pension funds |
30% of labor or taxable income, up to 3,800 UVT* |
$189,236,200 COP (approx. $50,463 USD) |
|
Contributions to AFC savings accounts |
30% of labor or taxable income, up to 3,800 UVT* |
$189,236,200 COP (approx. $50,463 USD) |
*Although the individual limit for these specific accounts is 3,800 UVT, remember that your total combined exemptions and deductions across all categories cannot exceed the absolute global cap of 1,340 UVT per year.
After applying non-taxable income, deductions, and exempt income, the final result is your taxable net income. This amount determines your Colombian income tax under the applicable tax rate table.
Note: It is highly recommended to consult a tax specialist to ensure that all applicable deductions and exemptions are correctly applied according to current regulations.
Finding a Colombian Tax Accountant
If you need to file a Colombian income tax return, you will need to obtain your Registro Único Tributario first. An advisor can help to get the RUT.
Medellin Guru recommends using the expatgroup.co for all expats that need the RUT to file their income taxes, open bank accounts in Colombia or regularize their commercial activities. If you already have an active process with expatgroup.co, click on the green button below to apply for the Colombian Tax ID for Individuals service.
Get your Colombian TAX ID - RUT
Obtain your Colombian Tax ID (RUT) for Individuals. The Registro Único Tributario is required to open bank accounts in Colombia and file national taxes. Click the green button to obtain the RUT service from expatgroup.co.
FAQs about income tax in Colombia
Determining whether you are a tax resident in Colombia is crucial because it affects several key aspects of your tax obligations. Your residency status will determine your applicable income tax rate, the income subject to taxation in Colombia, and the thresholds that define whether you are required to file additional taxes.
Understanding these differences is essential to ensure compliance with Colombian tax regulations and avoid unexpected liabilities. Below, we will explore each of these aspects in detail.
According to Colombian tax law (Article 288 of the Tax Statute), income and expenses must be recognized on the exact day they occur. Therefore, you must use the official exchange rate (TRM) on the exact date of each transaction. You cannot use the end-of-year exchange rate to convert your total annual income or expenses. Detailed records of these dates and rates are highly recommended.
You have two options:
1.Use the official exchange rate on December 31, 2024, to convert the total amount for the year.
2. Use the official exchange rate on the exact date of each transaction (requires detailed records for every transaction).
If you earn a salary in a foreign currency, Colombian law requires you to convert each individual salary payment using the official exchange rate on the exact date it was received into your account. For example, if you are paid bi-monthly, you will need to perform 24 separate calculations using the specific exchange rate for each payday.
You can access historical exchange rates from the Banco de la República de Colombia here.
A common question among expats is whether Colombia has a Double Taxation Treaty (DTT) with their home country. It is important to know that Colombia does not have a Double Taxation Treaty with the United States, although it does have treaties with Canada, Spain, the UK, and several other countries.
However, this does not mean you will be taxed twice on the same income. Under Article 254 of the Colombian Tax Statute, Colombian tax residents can claim a Foreign Tax Credit (Descuento por Impuestos Pagados en el Exterior). This allows you to credit the income taxes you already paid to a foreign government (like the IRS) directly against your Colombian tax liability on that same foreign income, preventing double taxation in practice.
Medellin Guru's comprehensive visa and passport series
The Colombian visa changes that went into effect in October 2022 were significant. So, on the Medellin Guru site, we have a comprehensive series of visa articles that are kept up-to-date and should answer most visa questions. These articles include:
- Colombia Visa Guide: Ultimate Guide How to Get a Colombian Visa
- How to Obtain a Colombian Visa with Up-to-Date Info – an overview of all the Colombian visas
- Popular Colombian Visas for Foreigners: Which Visa is the Most Popular?
- Coronavirus Impacts on Colombian Visas and Tourist Visas
- Visa Agencies: A Guide to Visa Agencies in Medellín and Colombia
- 9 Common Colombian Visa Mistakes: How to Avoid Them
We have looked in detail at the nine most popular Colombian visas used by foreigners:
- Digital Nomad Visa
- Retirement visa
- Marriage visa
- Investment visa
- Business Visa
- Resident visa
- Work visa
- Student visa
- Visitor visa
Also, we have looked in detail at three additional Colombian visas, which are less popular for foreigners:
- Rentista visa (annuity visa) – for foreigners with a fixed income
- Beneficiary visa – for relatives of visa holders
- Expertise visa – for professionals
In addition, we have a guide to Colombia tourist visas and how to extend a tourist visa. Also, we have a guide to renewing U.S. passports in Colombia and a guide to obtaining a Colombian passport.
Furthermore, we provide information about travel health policy that meets the health requirements for Colombian visas. And we have a guide to how to apply for a cedula extranjeria in Colombia and a guide to using notaries in Medellín and Colombia. Finally, Medellín Guru has partnered with a visa agency to offer Colombia visa services.
All of our Colombia visa articles are up to date (2025) and will continue to receive updates in 2026.
The Bottom Line: How to File Income Taxes (Declaración de Renta) in Colombia
Moving to Colombia can be tax neutral for some individuals, but this is not always the case. Whether someone needs to pay Colombian income taxes depends on their tax residency status, worldwide income, and applicable deductions. This obligation can also vary from year to year based on individual financial circumstances.
Many expats living in Colombia file Colombian income tax returns, and some end up paying little or no taxes due to deductions, exemptions, and foreign tax credits. However, others may be subject to Colombian income tax, wealth tax, or foreign asset reporting requirements.
For those considering a move to Colombia, it is crucial to understand the tax implications in advance. Seeking advice from a Colombian tax professional is highly recommended to ensure compliance and avoid unexpected tax liabilities.
For reference, the exchange rate used in this blog is based on 3.750 COP per USD. However, for tax calculations, the official exchange rate on the date of each financial transaction should always be used.
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