Chile

Overview

Last reviewed - 17 July 2024

Chile, a long and narrow country between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes mountains in South America, is bordered by Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast, and Argentina to the east. Chile is divided into 15 regions. Regions are divided into provinces, and provinces are divided into municipalities administered by elected mayors. The capital of Chile is Santiago. The official language of Chile is Spanish, and the currency is the Chilean peso (CLP).

Prior to the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century, northern Chile was under Inca rule. Although Chile declared its independence in 1810, victory over the Spanish was not achieved until 1818.

Sound economic policies, maintained consistently since the 1980s, have contributed to steady growth, reduced poverty rates, and have helped secure the country's commitment to a democratic and representative government. Chile has increasingly assumed regional and international leadership roles befitting its status as a stable, democratic nation. Chile has a market-oriented economy characterised by a high level of foreign trade and a reputation for strong financial institutions and sound policy that have given it the strongest sovereign bond rating in South America. Exports account for more than one-fourth of gross domestic product (GDP), with commodities making up some three-quarters of total exports. Over the last several years, Chile has signed free trade agreements (FTAs) with the European Union (EU), South Korea, China, and Japan, among other countries.

The Chilean government conducts a rule-based countercyclical fiscal policy, accumulating surpluses in sovereign wealth funds during periods of high copper prices and economic growth and allowing deficit spending only during periods of low copper prices and growth. In May 2010, Chile became a full member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) after a two-year period of compliance with the organisation’s mandates.

PwC entered Chile in 1914, when Charles Theedman was assigned by PwC headquarters in London to establish a presence in the Port of Valparaiso. Since then, PwC has participated in many of the most significant milestones in Chile's business history. This has included auditing the government's accounts in the 1920s, supporting the creation of public services in the 1940s, and playing a key role in the global expansion of Chilean companies in the 1990s. The PwC practice in Chile is comprised of more than 1,400 professionals who operate through five offices located in the country.

Quick rates and dates

Corporate income tax (CIT) rates
Headline CIT rate (%)

25 or 27

Corporate income tax (CIT) due dates
CIT return due date

30 April

CIT final payment due date

30 April

CIT estimated payment due dates

Monthly advance payments.

Personal income tax (PIT) rates
Headline PIT rate (%)

40

Personal income tax (PIT) due dates
PIT return due date

30 April or 9 May (returns without payment)

PIT final payment due date

30 April

PIT estimated payment due dates

Payroll workers: Monthly;

Independent workers: Monthly, but only when invoices are issued.

Value-added tax (VAT) rates
Standard VAT rate (%)

19

Withholding tax (WHT) rates
WHT rates (%) (Dividends/Interest/Royalties)

Resident: NA;

Non-resident: 35 / 4 or 35 / 30. DTT remedies are available.

Capital gains tax (CGT) rates
Headline corporate capital gains tax rate (%)

Capital gains are subject to the normal FCT rate.

Headline individual capital gains tax rate (%)

40

Net wealth/worth tax rates
Headline net wealth/worth tax rate (%)

NA

Inheritance and gift tax rates
Headline inheritance tax rate (%)

25

Headline gift tax rate (%)

25

NA stands for Not Applicable (i.e. the territory does not have the indicated tax or requirement)

NP stands for Not Provided (i.e. the information is not currently provided in this chart)

All information in this chart is up to date as of the 'Last reviewed' date on the corresponding territory Overview page. This chart has been prepared for general guidance on matters of interest only, and does not constitute professional advice. You should not act upon the information contained in this chart without obtaining specific professional advice. No representation or warranty (express or implied) is given as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this chart, and, to the extent permitted by law, PwC does not accept or assume any liability, responsibility or duty of care for any consequences of you or anyone else acting, or refraining to act, in reliance on the information contained in this chart or for any decision based on it.