Individual Income Tax Returns in Colombia: Who Must File and How
## Who is required to file an income tax return in Colombia?
For the 2023 tax year (return filed in 2024), an individual must file a return if they meet any of these thresholds:
| Criterion | 2023 threshold |
|---|---|
| Gross income | > COP $59,377,000 |
| Gross net worth | > COP $190,854,000 |
| Credit card spending | > COP $59,377,000 |
| Total purchases and spending | > COP $59,377,000 |
| Bank deposits | > COP $190,854,000 |
| VAT-responsible party | Always |
Employees with a single employer who had withholding correctly applied at the source may be exempt even if they meet these thresholds — but they should verify this.
Income tax schedules ("cédulas")
Law 1819 of 2016 created the schedular system. The main schedules are:
- Labor income schedule: salaries, professional fees, services
- Pension income schedule: pension income (exempt up to 1,000 UVT per month)
- Dividend income schedule
- Capital income schedule: interest, rental income, financial returns
- Non-labor income schedule: other unclassified income
Each schedule has its own deductions and rates.
(UVT stands for "Unidad de Valor Tributario," Colombia's official tax unit, adjusted annually by the DIAN.)
Deductions available to employees
The most significant ones for salaried individuals:
- Dependents: 10% of gross income per dependent (max. 32 UVT/month)
- Prepaid medicine and health insurance: up to 16 UVT/month
- Mortgage loan interest: up to 100 UVT per year
- Voluntary pension and AFC savings contributions: up to 30% of taxable income
- Exempt labor income: 25% of labor income (up to 240 UVT per year)
Filing deadlines (2023 tax year)
Deadlines vary based on the last digits of your tax ID (NIT) or national ID: - Large taxpayers: March-April 2024 - Individuals: August-October 2024
The exact date for each digit is published in the DIAN's annual tax calendar.
The form and how to file
Returns are filed on Form 210 through the DIAN's MUISCA platform (muisca.dian.gov.co):
- Get the pre-filled draft return the DIAN generates automatically
- Review and adjust the pre-filled figures
- Fill in any applicable deductions
- Calculate and pay the resulting tax (if there's a balance in your favor, you can request a refund)
Consequences of not filing
If you were required to file and didn't: - Late filing: a penalty of 5% of the tax owed per month of delay (minimum 10 UVT) - Required non-filer status: the DIAN can formally summon you and apply an aggravated penalty - Late-payment interest on the unpaid tax - In serious cases: coercive collection proceedings and precautionary measures against your assets
Is it worth filing even if you're not required to?
Yes, in these cases: - You have a balance in your favor (withholding at source exceeds your actual tax) and want a refund - You want to formally document your income (for a mortgage, a visa, etc.) - You hold assets abroad that must be reported
Not sure whether you're required to file, have questions about deductions, or received a notice from the DIAN? We can guide and support you through the process.
El asistente jurídico digital de Jurídiconline analiza tu situación específica. La revisión inicial es gratuita.
