Property Tax is one of the most important—and most ignored—tax obligations for property owners in Panama. Many owners only discover they have an outstanding debt when they try to sell, inherit, or release a mortgage. In this guide, we explain how much is paid, when, what exemptions exist, and how to keep your property in order.
What is property tax?
The Real Estate Tax is a tax levied on the value of real estate located within the national territory, according to the Fiscal Code of the Republic of Panama. The tax base corresponds to the cadastral value of the land and the registered improvements or constructions. This value is set by the National Authority for Land Management (ANATI), and each property is identified by its finca number in the Public Registry.
The current regime stems from Law 66 of October 17, 2017 (regulated by Executive Decree 363 of 2018), in effect since January 1, 2019, which reduced tariffs and introduced the concepts of Family Heritage Tax and Principal Residence.
Who pays and what is it calculated on?
Property owners whose cadastral value exceeds their corresponding minimum exemption pay the tax. The calculation is based on the sum of the land value plus improvements (construction), applying a progressive table: each value bracket pays its own rate, not a single rate on the total.
Property Tax Rates (Law 66 of 2017)
There are two tables. Which one applies depends on how the property is classified.
Family Tax Estate or Principal Residence
Applies to the owner's permanent residential housing (main residence). It is the most favorable table:
| Cadastral value (land + improvements) | Rate |
|---|---|
| Up to B/. 120,000 | 0% (exempt) |
| Regarding the surplus of B/. 120,000 up to B/. 700,000 | 0.5% |
| Regarding the surplus of B/. 700,000 | 0.7% |
Combined Progressive Tariff (other properties)
Applies by default to second homes, commercial properties, land, and real estate that are not constituted as a family tax patrimony or as a principal residence:
| Cadastral value | Rate |
|---|---|
| Up to B/. 30,000 | 0% (exempt) |
| From B/. 30,001 to B/. 250,000 | 0.6% |
| From B/. 250,001 to B/. 500,000 | 0.8% |
| Over B/. 500,000 | 1.0% |
Practical example: A home that is your primary residence with a assessed value of B/. 150,000 is taxed at 0% on the first B/. 120,000 and 0.5% on the remaining B/. 30,000, or B/. 150 per year.
Exemptions Available
In addition to the preferential table, there are exemptions that are worth reviewing:
- Family Tax Estate / Primary Residence: Real estate with a cadastral value of up to B/. 120,000 is exempt, subject to a sworn statement before the DGI.
- Agricultural estates those dedicated to agricultural activities whose value does not exceed a certain amount may be eligible for exemption for determined periods.
- Real estate for people with disabilities: under the requirements and value limits set by the regulations.
- Social interest housing and state property, municipalities, and entities exempt by law.
The key difference: any owner (natural or legal person) can establish a Tax Family Estate, while the Primary Residence is intended for single or widowed natural persons who do not form a family under the same roof. Always check if your property already has an active exemption by consulting the DGI.
Payment dates
Property tax is paid in installments, in three payments (trimesters):
| Departure | Deadline |
|---|---|
| 1st game | April 30 |
| Second match | August 31st |
| 3rd match | December 31st |
Early payment discount If you pay the full annual fee by April 30 and your account is in good standing, you are eligible for an early payment discount. According to the DGI, this discount has been 10% (in some years it has been as high as 15%), so it’s best to confirm the current percentage for the year directly with the bank.
Consequences of not paying on time
Failure to pay within the deadline may result in:
- Surcharge on the amount owed (typically 10% per overdue installment).
- Late-payment interest, which increases the debt over time.
- Coercive collection by the tax administration, which in extreme cases may lead to enforcement proceedings and seizure of the property.
There is a consequence that often hurts more than the surcharge: without being up to date, you cannot obtain the property's tax clearance certificate, an indispensable requirement to sell, donate, inherit, or release a mortgage. A forgotten arrears can paralyze a sale at the worst moment.
How to pay and check your account statement
You can check your balance and pay through:
- The e-Tax 2.0 system of the General Directorate of Revenue (DGI).
- Las ventanillas de la DGI.
- El Banco Nacional de Panamá y otros bancos con convenio.
Recomendación: revisa periódicamente el estado de cuenta de cada finca y conserva las boletas de pago. Los bancos que financian compras de vivienda también pueden actuar como agentes de retención del impuesto.
Frequently asked questions
¿Cuánto se paga de impuesto de inmueble en Panamá?
Depende del valor catastral y de la tabla aplicable. Una residencia principal no paga nada hasta B/. 120,000 y luego 0.5% sobre el excedente (hasta 0.7%). Otras propiedades pagan desde 0.6% sobre el valor que exceda los B/. 30,000.
¿Cuándo se paga?
En tres partidas: 30 de abril, 31 de agosto y 31 de diciembre. Pagar toda la anualidad antes del 30 de abril, sin morosidad, da derecho a un descuento por pronto pago.
¿Qué pasa si no pago el impuesto de inmueble?
Se acumulan recargos e intereses, la DGI puede iniciar cobro coactivo y no podrás obtener el paz y salvo necesario para vender, donar o liberar la hipoteca.
¿El impuesto se paga sobre el terreno o sobre la construcción?
Sobre ambos: la base imponible es el valor catastral del terreno más las mejoras registradas.
¿Cómo sé si mi propiedad está exonerada?
Consultando el estado de la finca en la DGI. Si tu vivienda califica como patrimonio familiar tributario o vivienda principal y aún no está declarada, puedes solicitar el beneficio mediante declaración jurada.
¿Cuál es la diferencia entre patrimonio familiar tributario y vivienda principal?
Ambos dan acceso a la tabla preferencial y a la exención hasta B/. 120,000. El patrimonio familiar tributario aplica a la vivienda del propietario y su familia bajo el mismo techo; la vivienda principal aplica a personas naturales que no constituyen familia (por ejemplo, solteras o viudas).
Cómo mantener tus obligaciones al día
En Lima y Asociados orientamos a propietarios y empresas para mantener sus obligaciones fiscales en regla: verificamos el estado de cuenta del inmueble ante la DGI, evaluamos si tu propiedad puede acogerse al patrimonio familiar tributario o a otras exoneraciones, y planificamos los pagos dentro de los plazos legales. Una correcta gestión fiscal evita sobrecostos y brinda seguridad jurídica sobre tu patrimonio.
Si tienes dudas sobre el estado de tu Impuesto de Inmuebles o necesitas asesoría para regularizar tu situación, contáctanos. Write to us on WhatsApp and we'll review it with you.
Este contenido es informativo y de carácter general; no constituye asesoría legal ni fiscal. Las tarifas, descuentos y plazos pueden variar según reformas legales o disposiciones anuales de la DGI. Confirma los valores vigentes para tu caso.