Your 2025 Ecuador Income Tax Deadline Is Coming — Here's Who Needs to File and When
Chip Moreno
March Is Tax Season in Ecuador
If you've been enjoying the fact that Ecuador doesn't bombard you with tax paperwork the way the U.S. does, the grace period is almost over. March is income tax filing season, and if you earned above the threshold in 2025, you need to file.
Here's the practical breakdown for expats.
Who Needs to File?
You must file a 2025 income tax return if you meet any of these criteria:
- You earned more than $12,081 in gross income during 2025
- You had multiple employers during the year
- You earn rental income from property in Ecuador
- You do freelance or independent professional work
- You earn income from content creation (yes, they're tracking that now)
- You're an artisan or sole proprietor with annual income above the threshold
If you're a salaried employee with a single employer who handled your withholding, and you earned under the threshold, you're likely off the hook — but it never hurts to double-check.
When Is the Deadline?
Filing runs March 10–28, 2026, and your specific deadline depends on the ninth digit of your cédula or RUC number:
| 9th Digit | Deadline |
|---|---|
| 1 | March 10 |
| 2 | March 12 |
| 3 | March 14 |
| 4 | March 16 |
| 5 | March 18 |
| 6 | March 20 |
| 7 | March 22 |
| 8 | March 24 |
| 9 | March 26 |
| 0 | March 28 |
Don't have a cédula yet? If you're filing with a passport, check with SRI directly for your deadline assignment.
How to File
Filing is done online through the SRI (Servicio de Rentas Internas) portal:
- Go to sri.gob.ec
- Log in with your cédula/RUC and password
- Navigate to "Declaraciones" → "Impuesto a la Renta"
- Fill out Form 102 (individuals) or 102A (dependents)
- Submit electronically
Pro tip: If you haven't registered on the SRI portal yet, do it NOW. Getting your electronic signature and account set up takes a few days.
What Can You Deduct?
Ecuador allows personal expense deductions in several categories:
- Housing (rent, mortgage, maintenance)
- Education (tuition, books, supplies)
- Health (medical expenses, insurance premiums)
- Food (groceries — yes, really)
- Clothing
You'll need facturas (official receipts with your cédula number) to claim deductions. This is why your Cuenca friends keep asking for their cédula on every receipt — they're building their deduction file.
Tips for Expats
- Keep your facturas organized. If you haven't been collecting receipts with your tax ID all year, you'll have fewer deductions. Start now for 2026.
- Rental income counts. If you own property in Ecuador and rent it out, that income is taxable.
- Get help if you need it. A local contador (accountant) can file for you for $30-$80 and save you a lot of headache navigating the Spanish-language portal.
- Don't ignore this. Late filing penalties and interest add up fast. The SRI is increasingly digital and increasingly efficient at tracking.
The Bottom Line
If you earned over $12,081 in Ecuador last year, mark your calendar for March. Get your facturas together, log into the SRI portal, and file on time. If the online system intimidates you, hire a local accountant — it's cheap and worth the peace of mind.
Sources: CuencaHighLife, SRI
