SRI Ecuador
| 🧾 SRI — Servicio de Rentas Internas | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Servicio de Rentas Internas |
| Type | National Tax Authority |
| Website | sri.gob.ec |
| Services | RUC, RISE, VAT, income tax, returns |
| Local Office | La Libertad (Santa Elena Province) |
ECUAWIKI › HOW-TO GUIDES › SRI ECUADOR
The Servicio de Rentas Internas (SRI) is Ecuador's national tax collection authority — equivalent to the IRS in the USA or HMRC in the UK. It administers income tax, value-added tax (VAT/IVA), and tax registration for businesses and individuals.
Main Functions
- Administering the RUC (taxpayer registration) — see RUC & RISE
- Collecting VAT (IVA — Impuesto al Valor Agregado), currently 15% on most goods and services
- Collecting income tax (Impuesto a la Renta)
- Processing tax returns and refunds
- Auditing businesses and individuals
- Managing the RISE simplified regime for small earners
Online Services (sri.gob.ec)
Much of what you need to do with the SRI can be handled online at their official website:
- Register for or update your RUC
- File monthly VAT declarations (if applicable)
- Submit annual income tax returns
- Download invoices and tax receipts
- Check outstanding balances and payment history
- Access electronic billing (facturación electrónica) tools
The Electronic Invoice System
Ecuador has a comprehensive electronic invoicing requirement. All registered businesses must issue official electronic invoices (facturas electrónicas) through the SRI system for every transaction. This system has substantially formalized Ecuador's economy. As a consumer, you have the right to receive an official factura for any purchase.
Local SRI Office
The nearest SRI office to the Santa Elena Peninsula is located in La Libertad. In-person visits are required for some procedures (original RUC registration, resolving discrepancies). Bring your original documents.
Hours: Typically Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (verify locally as hours may change).
Taxes Most Relevant to Expats
- Income Tax — applies to worldwide income for residents; foreign-sourced income may be exempt depending on circumstances. An Ecuadorian tax professional can advise.
- IVA (VAT) — paid automatically on most purchases at 15%
- Capital Gains (Plusvalía) — applies on property sales; see Property Taxes Ecuador
- Rental Income — rental income is taxable; landlords should register with RUC or RISE