Expat Tax Guide for Americans Living in Ecuador
- Living as a US Expat in Ecuador
- Ecuador at a Glance
- What Are Expat Taxes like for Americans Living in Ecuador?
- Who Has to File Taxes in Ecuador?
- Who Qualifies as a Tax Resident in Ecuador?
- What Types of Taxation Does Ecuador Have?
- Essential Tax Forms for US Expats in Ecuador
- Credits & Deductions Available to Expats Living in Ecuador
- When Are Taxes Due in Ecuador?
- Does the US Have a Tax Treaty with Ecuador?
- Does the US Have a Totalization Agreement with Ecuador?
- Navigating Tax Compliance for US Expats in Ecuador
Living as a US Expat in Ecuador
Ecuador has rich cultural and historical attractions nestled against natural wonders. From the tropical rainforests to whitewater rafting down the Amazon, Ecuador has become a popular destination for American expats.
Adjusting to the slower pace of life and relaxed attitudes towards time may take some getting used to, but with an open mind and willingness to embrace new experiences, expats can quickly settle into their new home. With a growing expat community and low cost of living, Ecuador is an increasingly popular destination for those looking for a new and exciting way of life.
But what are expat taxes like for US citizens living abroad in Ecuador? Read on to get answers to all your questions!
Ecuador at a Glance
- Primary Tax Form for Residents: Formulario 102
- Tax Year: January 1–December 31
- Tax Deadline: March–April
- Currency: US Dollar (USD)
- Population: 17.2 million
- Number of US Expats: Estimated 7,500
- Capital City: Quito
- Primary Language: Spanish
- Tax Treaty: No
- Totalization Agreement: No
What Are Expat Taxes like for Americans Living in Ecuador?
For US citizens living in Ecuador, taxes can be a bit complicated. The United States is one of the few countries that taxes its citizens on their worldwide income, regardless of where they live. This means that US citizens living in Ecuador are still required to file tax returns with the IRS and report their foreign income, even if they don’t owe any US taxes.
In addition to federal taxes, US citizens living in Ecuador may also be subject to local taxes, depending on their individual circumstances. This can include taxes on property, business income, or other sources of Ecuadorian income.
To avoid double taxation, US citizens living in Ecuador can take advantage of the Foreign Tax Credit, which allows them to offset any US taxes owed on their foreign income with taxes paid to the Ecuadorian government. Additionally, US citizens living in Ecuador may also be eligible for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, which allows them to exclude up to a certain amount of foreign-earned income from their US taxes.
On top of your US tax obligations, you will probably also have to file an Ecuadorian tax return.
Learn where the best tax havens are, common traps, and ways to save money on your US expat taxes.
Who Has to File Taxes in Ecuador?
Ecuador’s tax system follows a territorial principle, imposing varying tax obligations on residents and non-residents. Residents must file taxes on their global income only if they meet specific income thresholds, while non-residents are obligated to file taxes on their Ecuadorian income only. However, non-residents earning income from Ecuador may be obligated to pay taxes even if they do not meet the threshold.
Tax residents of Ecuador include individuals who have lived in the country for over 183 days within a year or established permanent residency. They must file an annual tax return that includes information on their global income and deductions. Tax residency criteria and income thresholds are dependent on individual circumstances and may vary by tax year.
If your entire income comes from an Ecuadorian employer, your income tax will be withheld from your wages, and you will not need to file a separate tax return. However, you will need to file a return if you receive other forms of income, such as:
- Self-employment Income
- Foreign Income
- Rental Income
- Capital Gains
Who Qualifies as a Tax Resident in Ecuador?
Understanding the criteria for tax residency in Ecuador is crucial due to the differing tax regulations for residents and non-residents. To be classified as a tax resident, an individual must be present in Ecuador for at least 183 days within any 12-month period, with no requirement for these days to be consecutive. Failure to meet this criterion will classify an individual as a non-resident.
What Types of Taxation Does Ecuador Have?
Income Tax
In Ecuador, residents are taxed on their worldwide income at progressive rates ranging from 0% to 37%. (All amounts are given in USD.) below, you can see the 2022 Ecuadorian income tax rate.
| Annual Income (USD) | Tax Rate |
| Up to $11,722 | 0% |
| $11,722.01 to $14,930 | 5% |
| $14,930.01 to $19,385 | 10% |
| $19,385.01 to $25,638 | 12% |
| $25,638.01 to $33,738 | 15% |
| $33,738.01 to $44,721 | 20% |
| $44,721.01 to $59,537 | 25% |
| $59,537.01 to $79,388 | 30% |
| $79,388.01 to $105,580 | 35% |
| Over $105,580.01 | 37% |
Non-residents are taxed on their Ecuador-source income at a flat rate of 25%.
Social Security Tax
Like the US, Ecuador maintains a social security system funded by a payroll tax. Typically, employees will contribute 9.45% of their salary, while employers will contribute 12.15% of their total payroll.
Capital Gains Tax
Capital gains are generally taxed as ordinary income. Certain capital gains on investment shares and immovable property are tax-exempt.
Inheritance Tax
The tax rate for applicable inheritances ranges from 5% to 10% for most foreigners, particularly those with total combined assets in Ecuador not exceeding around $300,000. For the tax year 2023, the exemption threshold is $72,000. It’s important to note that foreigners’ assets outside of Ecuador are not subject to Ecuadorian inheritance taxes.
Value-Added Tax
Ecuador levies a value-added tax (VAT) on certain goods and services. The standard rate for this tax is 12%.
Real Estate Tax
Real estate is taxed at the municipal level. The rate for this depends on the municipality, generally ranging from 0.025% to 0.3% of the commercial value of the property.
Corporate Income Tax
Ecuador’s residence-based taxation system applies to corporate income as well as individual income. Resident business entities are taxed on their worldwide income, while non-resident business entities are only taxed on Ecuador’s income. The standard rate for the Ecuadorian corporate income tax is 25%.
When you live in the US, tax day is simple: April 15th! When you move abroad, it’s not so straightforward! Learn about all the expat deadlines and extensions you need to know to file.
Essential Tax Forms for US Expats in Ecuador
As a US expat living in Ecuador, there are several essential tax forms that you will need to be aware of when filing your US taxes. The most crucial form is the US tax return, which must be filed annually; reporting your worldwide income is Form 1040.
If you earn income in Ecuador, you will also need to file Ecuadorian tax returns. This typically includes Form 102, which reports your income, expenses, and deductions to the Ecuadorian tax authorities.
Additionally, if you have foreign financial accounts in Ecuador with a combined value of over $10,000 at any point during the year, you must file FinCEN Form 114, also known as the FBAR (Foreign Bank Account Report). This form reports information about your foreign financial accounts, including bank accounts, brokerage accounts, and mutual funds.
Credits & Deductions Available to Expats Living in Ecuador
As an expat living in Ecuador, you may be eligible for certain credits and deductions when filing your taxes. One of the most significant deductions is the foreign earned income exclusion, which allows you to exclude a portion of your foreign income from US taxation.
Additionally, if you pay taxes in Ecuador, you may be able to claim a foreign tax credit on your US tax return, which can help reduce your US tax liability. You may also be eligible for deductions related to moving expenses, such as the cost of transportation, lodging, and meals incurred during your move to Ecuador.
It’s essential to work with qualified expat tax professionals like Greenback, who can help you identify all available credits and deductions and ensure that you are correctly reporting your income and expenses. By taking advantage of these tax benefits, you can minimize your tax liability and keep more of your hard-earned money.
When Are Taxes Due in Ecuador?
Like in the US, the Ecuadorian tax year is the same as the calendar year. It begins on January 1 and ends on December 31. For expats who receive only employment income from an Ecuadorian employer, there is no need to file an Ecuadorian tax return. If you receive other forms of income, you must file a return. This return is due in March, though the exact day will vary depending on the ninth digit of your Ecuadorian tax identification number.
Does the US Have a Tax Treaty with Ecuador?
No. There is currently no US-Ecuador tax treaty. This leaves Americans living in Ecuador at risk of being taxed twice on their income. Fortunately, the IRS provides several tax benefits to help expats avoid double taxation.
Does the US Have a Totalization Agreement with Ecuador?
No. The US and Ecuador do not currently have a totalization agreement in place. This means that Americans who live and work in Ecuador may be required to contribute to both nations’ social security systems.
Navigating Tax Compliance for US Expats in Ecuador
This guide should have provided you with a comprehensive answer to the question of what expat taxes American citizens living in Ecuador are required to pay. However, if you still have any remaining questions or uncertainties, we are available to provide further clarification and guidance. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you require any additional information or assistance.
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