How Much are Property Taxes in Mexico? | Zisla | blog (2024)

If you currently own property in Mexico or are interested in buying some Mexican real estate in the future, there are a few questions that often come up. Some are related to the ins and outs of buying property in Mexico, some are related to international visa requirements, and some are related to living expenses and overall costs.

One of the most common subjects on the issue of costs will undoubtedly be related to property taxes. To be clear, in Mexico, you will be responsible for paying some form of taxes.

This is true if you own residential property, rent your property and earn income, or if you sell your property in Mexico. You may even be responsible for paying income tax if you work from Mexico.

First, let's cover some of the basic information so you'll be better prepared when confronted with any issues related to tax in Mexico.
How Much are Property Taxes in Mexico? | Zisla | blog (1)

Who Collects Taxes in Mexico?

The SAT, which stands for Servicio de Administración Tributaria, collects all Federal taxes in Mexico.

What Taxes Must I Pay in Mexico?

There are several taxes that may apply to you once you acquire property in Mexico. They are:

  • Acquisition Tax (when buying property)
  • Annual Property Tax (for all property holders)
  • Rental Income Tax (if applicable)
  • Value Added Tax (if applicable)
  • Capital Gains Tax (when selling a property)
  • Income Tax (if applicable)

The Acquisition Tax is paid for any property you purchase. The level of tax is different in each Mexican state, and the rates range from under 2% up to 4.5% of the assessed value of the property at the time of purchase.

The Annual Property Tax is actually quite low. Also known as the predial, this annual tax is always due in January, and the amount of tax you will pay will depend on both the size and location of your property. One of the most interesting things about this tax is that if you pay it in advance (in December) the government will give you a 25% discount. And if you pay the tax right away in January, they will still give you a 20% discount!

The Rental Income Tax only applies to you if you rent out your property for profit. In Spanish this tax is called the impuesto sobre la renta, and if you are collecting any form of rent it counts as a form of income, meaning you must pay the tax. These taxes are supposed to be paid monthly to the SAT, which can be done electronically.

The Value Added Tax, also known as the IVA, is a goods and services tax set at 16%. An acronym for the Spanish term impuesto al valor agregado, it is only necessary to pay the IVA when you buy commercial property, but not if you buy residential property. It is also only applicable for new purchases not used property. For most goods and services in Mexico, the IVA is included in the sticker price.

The Capital Gains Tax is only necessary to pay when you sell real estate in Mexico. The amount owed will be determined based on a number of factors, including how much profit you made from the sale, how long you lived in the home prior to the sale, and some other factors. For advice on any matter related to capital gains tax, it is always best to speak with an attorney well-versed in Mexican tax law. However, in general the tax is equal to approximately 25% of the profit you made on the transaction.

Finally, paying Income Taxes is required for anyone employed in Mexico. While Mexican employers usually withhold and submit the payment to the SAT on your behalf, if they do not, the tax is usually around 25% of your gross income. this number may change based on any deductions that are made.

Does Paying Tax in Mexico Affect My Canadian or U.S. Taxes?

You are expected to report all income and taxes paid to your home country. However, Mexico, Canada and the United States have existing agreements in place not only to exchange information related to taxes for any citizens living or doing in business in more than one country, but also to help them avoid double-taxation.

For more information on how exactly any property taxes will affect the amount paid in your home country, speak to a professional in the tax field or a government representative in order to get the most accurate information.

Are There Consequences for Not Paying Taxes in Mexico?

Just like anywhere else, if you neglect to pay your property tax (or any other tax), you may face criminal charges, financial penalties, or even have trouble traveling back and forth between countries.

Because the Mexican tax system is sometimes fluid and can change from year to year, it is imperative that you stay in close contact with someone that knows the law inside and out. Having a once yearly consultation with a Mexican tax attorney is an investment that is well worth it, just to stay on the safe side.

Real Estate in Mexico: A Great Value

Now is a great time to buy property south of the border. If you're interested in buying a vacation home in Mexico, there's lots to think about!

If you have questions, or if you need expert advice, your best bet is always to reach out and speak with an expert that knows the property market, the law, and more importantly, that has experience helping foreigners get comfortable with the idea of buying property in Mexico. Zisla is among the best, so get in touch with them today!

How Much are Property Taxes in Mexico? | Zisla | blog (2024)

FAQs

How much are property taxes in Mexico? ›

Property taxes in Mexico vary throughout the country and are calculated yearly depending on the real estate value established by the officials. Residential property tax is typically around 6,5 pesos per 1000 pesos of assessed value. For commercial and rental estates used only seasonally, the rate can be twice as much.

Do I have to pay taxes for property in Mexico? ›

If you own property in Mexico, you'll pay property taxes. If you rent out that property or own a business, have a job, or have interest-bearing bank accounts, you'll owe income tax. Even if you have none of these, you'll still pay sales tax (known as Value Added Tax or VAT) on most retail goods and services.

How much taxes does Mexico take? ›

Mexico's individual income tax rate for 2021 is 1.92%-35%.

Which country has highest property taxes? ›

UHY's findings show that Belgium has the highest average property taxes for real estate worth USD 1 million of any country in the study at 11.3%* - a charge of USD 113,131.

How much is an average house in Mexico? ›

How much is a house in Mexico in pesos? The current exchange rate in Mexico is 18 to the US dollar — so with that in mind — the average house in Mexico can range anywhere from 1.3-million pesos to 18-million pesos, depending on its location, size and amenities.

What are housing prices in Mexico? ›

House prices in Mexico rose by nearly 12% over the last year, the biggest annual increase on record. Data from the Federal Mortgage Society (SHF), a government agency, shows that the mean average price for a home was $1.6 million pesos ($90,850) in the first quarter of 2023, up 11.7% from the same period in 2022.

What are the 3 types of taxes in Mexico? ›

The types of taxes in Mexico are basically three: federal taxes, state taxes and municipal taxes. Mexican citizens and taxpayers have rights and obligations.

Is it smart to buy property in Mexico? ›

It is safe to buy property in Mexico! Foreigners can buy and sell property with ease, there are only a few special rules you need to follow when buying property, and strictly from an investment point of view, Mexican real estate has a great deal of upside potential.

When you buy a house in Mexico do you own it? ›

Almost. Generally speaking, there are no restrictions on the ownership of residential property in Mexico, and you can hold the title in your own name. You can choose to hold it in a trust—for asset protection or estate planning purposes—but it's not required.

How do I pay property taxes in Mexico? ›

Log on to www.eloscabos.gob.mx click on Impuesto Predial (property taxes in spanish). Enter your Clave Catastral Number (tax ID number). You will find this number on your deed (Escritura if your a national or Fideicomiso if your a foreigner). The amount of tax due will be shown in PESOS.

Do US citizens pay taxes in Mexico? ›

As a US expat living in Mexico, you're subject to tax obligations in both countries. Mexico taxes worldwide income, meaning you must file tax returns and pay taxes in the US and Mexico.

Are taxes high in Mexico? ›

Mexico Personal Tax Rates. Mexico personal tax rates are progressive to 30%. Persons residing in Mexico calculate their annual tax on their total income generated both in the country and abroad. In the case of foreign income, taxes paid abroad are generally credited against taxes payable in Mexico.

Where is the cheapest property tax? ›

1. Hawaii. Hawaii residents enjoy the lowest property tax rate in the U.S. However, the high cost of living and limited housing opportunities make it a very expensive place to live.

Where in the U.S. has the highest property taxes? ›

1. New Jersey. New Jersey earns the top spot as highest property taxes not only in property tax rate, which is over the 2% mark, but in the actual dollars spent in property taxes; here the average home value is the highest on the list.

What country has no property tax? ›

Countries With No Property Tax: Monaco

Monaco is yet another tax haven based on its tax policies, and it does not levy taxes on individual income, capital gains, as well as net wealth.

Can you live in Mexico on $1000 a month? ›

In Mexico, you can live a comfortable life on $1,000 a month. The average cost of living for expats, digital nomads and retirees varies between $600 to $2,000 depending on one's lifestyle choices and their location. Baseline costs in Mexico are around $750 a month.

Is it cheaper to live in Mexico or us? ›

It is considerably cheaper to live in Mexico than in the United States. While there are more and less expensive cities in Mexico, you're likely to have an objectively better lifestyle in Mexico than in the U.S. given the same level of resources. Overall consumer prices are nearly 100% lower, not including rent.

How much money does it take to live comfortably in Mexico? ›

You can live for as low as $1,500 USD to $5,000 USD a month as you please. Just make sure that everything is within your means so you can have a comfortable life here. You don't want to move to Mexico and spend the same exact amount that you are spending from back home in the USA or Europe.

Is it cheap to buy property in Mexico? ›

A key attraction of owning property in Mexico is the affordable ongoing costs of property ownership here. In particular, low property taxes and low building and maintenance costs help to keep your the long-term costs in check, that is particularly useful for retirees on fixed budgets.

Why are houses in Mexico so cheap? ›

While Mexico is generally safe, you should know that there are high-crime areas in the country and you would normally want to avoid these. House prices in such areas are usually lower compared to prices in safer areas. That's because of the lower demand for properties in these unsafe places.

Is now a good time to buy property in Mexico? ›

The Riviera Maya tourism industry is again thriving due to the post-lockdown tourist rebound. If you want to benefit from Mexico's record-breaking ROI shift entirely, now is the time to purchase real estate there. The local real estate and vacation rental sectors receive the money as soon as it arrives.

Is Health Care Free in Mexico? ›

Public healthcare has an elaborate provisioning and delivery system instituted by the Mexican government. It is provided to all Mexican citizens, as guaranteed by Article 4 of the Constitution. Public care is fully or partially subsidized by the federal government, depending upon the person's employment status.

What is the highest tax in Mexico? ›

Personal income tax rates
Taxable income (MXN)Tax rate (%)
OverNot over
0125,900Exempt
125,9001,000,00015
1,000,000and above30
Feb 8, 2023

What is the IRS called in Mexico? ›

What is the 'SAT' in Mexico? SAT stands for Servicio de Administracion Tributaria. This is Mexico's tax collection agency, akin to the IRS in the United States. Like the IRS, SAT has offices in every state around the country.

How long can you stay in Mexico if you own property? ›

The “Temporary Resident Visa” is recommended for those who choose to own property in México. After four years it can be converted into a “Permanent Resident Visa”. This visa allows you to stay in Mexico for as long as you like without a restriction on foreign travel.

Is it safe to own a condo in Mexico? ›

If you're thinking of making a real estate investment, this question has most likely crossed your mind at least once, and the good news is: YES, it is safe to buy a property in Mexico.

Do most people own or rent houses in Mexico? ›

Mexico: share of households 2020, by housing tenure

In 2020, more than two thirds of all Mexican households owned their houses. Meanwhile, over 17 percent of household lived in rented property. In the first quarter of 2021, Mexicans paid on average 1.3 million Mexican pesos to acquire residential property.

How long can a US citizen stay in Mexico? ›

General Information. A visitor visa allows you to stay in Mexico for a period of up to 180 days, provided that you are not carrying out any paid activities.

Can you be a US citizen and own property in Mexico? ›

Foreigners can own property in Mexico. It's perfectly legal. Outside the restricted zones—50 kilometers (about 31 miles) from shorelines and 100 kilometers (about 62 miles) from international borders—foreigners can hold direct deed to property with the same rights and responsibilities as Mexican nationals.

Do I need a lawyer to buy a house in Mexico? ›

It is critical to have a real estate lawyer representing you during a real estate transaction so you can be confident you will not lose your investment. The notario does not provide a Guaranteed Title, choose a law firm that does.

What happens if you don't pay property taxes in Mexico? ›

Failure to pay these taxes can result in substantial fines, legal action, and even deportation. These taxes are to be paid monthly to SAT Servicio de Administración Tributaria and can be electronically filed. You may have an accountant or property manager taking care of your rental and filing the tax each month.

How to send money to buy property in Mexico? ›

Use a foreign exchange (Forex) brokers like World First, Venstar Exchange, USForex Money Transfer. Unlike banks, Forex brokers often have lower exchange fees and better exchange rates. Some of the other benefits that may be offered include no hidden charges or fees, and potential savings of up to 2-3% on average.

What do you have to do to own property in Mexico? ›

Step by step of buying a house in Mexico as an American
  1. Step 1: Find the right property and agree a price with the seller. ...
  2. Step 2: Document the deal with a sales contract. ...
  3. Step 3: Pay your deposit. ...
  4. Step 4: Create your fideicomiso if required. ...
  5. Step 5: Get permission to complete the purchase.
Dec 16, 2021

Do Mexican banks report to IRS? ›

For expats living here, say you move US$100,000 into a certificate of deposit into a bank in Mexico because you are getting a better interest rate down here. Your Mexican bank will have to report the interest on that account to the IRS. It is important to report that interest on your tax return on Schedule B.

Is Mexico tax friendly for retirees? ›

If you retire in Mexico, you will still file a tax return and report income just as you would if you retired in the U.S. If you have a Mexican pension or retirement account, (Administradores de Fondos para el Retiro, or an AFORE account) it may be subject to different tax laws than a U.S.-based account.

Do you pay taxes on Social Security if you live in Mexico? ›

Yes, as a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident of the U.S., you are subject to U.S. income tax laws regardless of what country you reside. Your worldwide income and up to 85 percent of the social security benefits you receive, may be subject to federal income tax.

What percentage of Mexico is wealthy? ›

Percentage distribution of wealth in Mexico in 2021, by wealth percentile
CharacteristicShare of national wealth
Bottom 50%-0.2%
Middle 40%21.5%
Top 10%78.7%
Top 1%46.9%
Oct 20, 2022

What is the rental property tax in Mexico? ›

You must pay taxes on your rental income. The ISR tax rate is based on 25% of your gross income earned. If the rental property is furnished, on top of the ISR tax, there is an Impuesto al Valor Agregado (IVA), or valued added tax (VAT).

How much is hotel tax in Mexico? ›

Tourists pay the same 16% VAT at hotels, and in Merida, the capital city, it's 5% for the City Tax.

Why is Hawaii property tax so low? ›

A major reason Hawaii has low property taxes is that it offers generous exemptions on owner-occupied residences. Homeowners are eligible for exemptions ranging from $80,000 to $160,000, depending on their county of residence.

Who has the best property tax? ›

States Ranked By Property Tax
RankStateReal Estate Tax Rate
1Hawaii0.28%
2Alabama0.41%
3Colorado0.51%
4Louisiana0.55%
47 more rows
Feb 14, 2023

What is the most tax friendly state? ›

MoneyGeek's analysis found that Wyoming is the most tax-friendly state in America, followed by Nevada, Tennessee, Florida and Alaska. States that received a grade of A all share something in common: no state income tax. Washington and South Dakota — which both received a B — also have no state income tax.

Which state has lowest property tax in USA? ›

All of the data below comes from the Census Bureau's 2021 1-year American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates. Hawaii has the lowest property tax rate in the U.S. at 0.27%. The Aloha state has a home median value of $722,500.

Why are Texas property taxes so high? ›

“Property taxes in Texas are so high because that's the price we pay for not having a personal income tax in this state,” Craymer said. State tax systems are usually looked at as a three-legged stool — one leg is property tax, the second leg is sales tax, and the third leg is the personal income tax.

At what age do you stop paying property taxes in California? ›

If you are age 55 or older, you may have a significant equity in your home. California provides a special homestead exemption for seniors age 65 and over, people who are disabled, and people age 55 and over with low incomes. (A homestead is your primary residence.)

Does Puerto Rico have property taxes? ›

From a central government perspective, the Department of the Treasury is in charge of collecting taxes in Puerto Rico. The Municipal Collection Revenue Center (CRIM) collects property taxes.

Does China have property tax? ›

Local governments are sinking further into debt, but after years of talk, officials have yet to introduce a real estate tax.

How do you pay property taxes in Mexico? ›

You are responsible for knowing your payment amount and paying taxes on time. Depending on your municipality, you may be able to make your property tax payment online. If that is not an option, you will have to visit your municipality tax office and pay in person.

Is it safe for Americans to own property in Mexico? ›

Foreigners can own property in Mexico. It's perfectly legal. Outside the restricted zones—50 kilometers (about 31 miles) from shorelines and 100 kilometers (about 62 miles) from international borders—foreigners can hold direct deed to property with the same rights and responsibilities as Mexican nationals.

Is it safe for Americans to buy property in Mexico? ›

Can an American or Canadian own property in Mexico? It is perfectly legal for an American to own property in Mexico. Beyond the somewhat tedious process of setting up a bank trust (fideicomiso), buying property in Mexico as an American or Canadian is fairly straightforward.

How long can you live in Mexico without paying taxes? ›

The Mexican government will consider you to be a tax resident if you spend more than 183 days in Mexico within a year, maintain a residence in Mexico, or if the country is the center of your vital interests.

How much is one acre in Mexico? ›

Current value of 1 ACRE in MXN is 0.0043 MXN

This is the real-time data fetched from our partnered price aggregators. At the moment, you are looking at the conversion of 1 ACRE when 1 ACRE is valued at 0.0043 MXN.

How much does it cost to build a small house in Mexico? ›

Construction Cost per Square Meter in Mexico 2022

Construction costs per square meter in Mexico range from $500 to $1,400. This cost variation will depend on the range of finishes and the structural system that is needed for the construction.

Can I get a loan to buy a house in Mexico? ›

Global Mortgage (MoXi) provides financing to US citizens on Mexican real estate. To apply, fill out the form on this page. Global Mortgage (MoXi) offers U.S. citizens sound and secure cross-border mortgage financing for purchasing destination real property in Mexico or for refinancing an existing mortgage.

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