One of the Lowest Tax Rates in Latin America
Mexico has one of the lowest tax collection rates in Latin America. It does not have the resources (nor will it in the foreseeable future) to enforce its own Tax Laws. It is also caught up in the dichotomy between the need to encourage investment and tourism and the need to increase its tax revenues and to comply with the International Tax Treaties that it has signed with several countries.
Is Mexico a tax haven? Only to the extent that the tax laws are not enforced. Will it change? Unlikely in the near future but over the long term some reforms will need to be implemented to make the system more efficient and fair.
Income Tax
| Excerpt from Article by Raul Rodriguez-Walters, CFP |
Residents of Mexico are liable to pay taxes on their worldwide income. In 2004 the definition of "Tax Resident" was amended to "all those who have established an abode in Mexico irrespective of the time they have spent in the country."
A further provision is that "if a person has a home in Mexico AND a home in another country, they are considered a tax resident in the place where they have their center of vital interests. Mexico will be considered as the center of vital interest for people who derive more than 50% of their income from Mexican sources."
However, "foreign residents" that have a home in Mexico and abroad, and who derive most of the income from sources outside of Mexico,' need not worry about reporting and paying Mexican Income Taxes."
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