Paraguay VAT and DST on foreign digital services

Paraguay extended its Withholding VAT regime to non-resident digital or electronic services provider to consumers from 1 January 2021. It applies to both B2B and B2C transactions. In addition, a further 4.5% INR withholding tax (similar to Digital Services Tax) was introduced.

The current VAT rate in Paraguay is 10%. VAT Calc’s global VAT and GST on digital services blog keeps a live update on how countries are imposing indirect taxes on non-resident providers and electronic marketplaces.

What digital services are liable to Paraguayan VAT?

Income from the following services is subject to VAT:

• Downloads or streaming multi-media (music, films etc)
• Software and apps
• Data storage and processing
• Online gaming
• E-learning
• Online advertising

Determining if Paraguayan VAT is due

As in most countries, Paraguay requires to the withholding agent to have some evidence that the service was consumed locally. This may include:

• Postal and billing addresses
• IP address of the device used
• SIM card
• Bank or payment provider address

Withholding VAT

Resident customers are required to withhold the VAT amount of any payment to a non-resident provider or marketplace. This must be paid to the Finance Administration to receive special voucher receipts. Designated withholding VAT agents must report monthly on VAT deductions and obligations.

When a foreign payment is made for digital services by a resident customer via a payment provider (debit/credit card, bank transfer or online payment company), then the payment company should withhold the VAT due.

Paraguay Digital Services Tax – 4.5% INR non-resident withholding tax

On the 1 January 2021, Paraguay implemented a 4.5% Digital Services Tax on non-resident digital providers. This is collected as INR, withholding tax, calculated as: 15% withholding x 30% of income = 4.5% tax. There was a delay for financial intermediaries until 1 January 2022.

Central and South America VAT on digital services