The Department of the Treasury is the government entity responsible for collecting taxes in Puerto Rico, that are imposed on certain products to be able to introduce them into the country.
In this article we will tell you what the taxes are, How much does a car pay in taxes in Puerto Rico?what are the requirements to pay them and how you can do it.
What are taxes in Puerto Rico?
The taxes in Puerto Rico are the contributions and taxes that must be paid for introducing certain types of products (used or new) into the national market.whether to be consumed, sold or transferred.
These products can be imported, but it also applies to products manufactured in Puerto Rico.
Car taxes in Puerto Rico are calculated depending on the type of vehicle being brought into the country (car, motorcycle, truck, bus, etc.) and its value.
These taxes are established by the Treasury Department of the National Government of Puerto Rico.
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How much does a car pay in taxes in Puerto Rico?
Taxes in Puerto Rico have a minimum amount of $637.50 and the rates increase in stages from 10.2% to 34% depending on the price of the vehicle. There are special settings for certain types of vehicles.
For example, buses, known as guaguas or ómnibus, pay 20% of the island's contributory price, while trucks and Four Tracks pay 10% of the contributory price.
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Vehicle excise tax table in Puerto Rico
Below is the table of vehicle taxes in Puerto Rico. The table applies to new and used vehicles introduced into the country.
In addition, there are the following arbitration rates in Puerto Rico:
- Propellers: 17% of the taxable price in Puerto Rico.
- Buses (guaguas): 20% of the taxable price in Puerto Rico.
- Trucks: 10% on the taxable price in Puerto Rico.
- Motorcycles: 10% of the taxable price in Puerto Rico.
Some vehicles, such as those powered by electricity, Bio-Diesel or methanol, among others, are exempt from paying registration fees. arbitration in Puerto Rico.
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How to calculate car taxes in Puerto Rico?
To calculate how much you pay in excise tax in Puerto Rico, you must know the value of the car, since the interest rate is applied based on this amount.
For example, a minimum tax of $637.50 is applied to a car worth $5,000 (according to the excise tax table), so the total amount in this case would be $5,637.50.
If it is a truck and its value is $12,000, the rate applied would be 10%, so the total amount would be $13,200.
Tax calculator in Puerto Rico
The website of the Unified Internal Revenue System (SURI) makes an excise tax calculator available to its users.
With this tool you can easily and quickly calculate car taxes in Puerto Rico.
Below we will explain step by step how to use it:
1. Look for the “Imported vehicles” option and click where it says “Search for vehicle information” (as the image shows).
Extracted from suri.hacienda.pr.gov
2. Then take the option “Estimate of taxes when importing a vehicle to Puerto Rico”.
3. Enter the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the vehicle and get an estimate of what you will have to pay for it if you import it to Puerto Rico.
IMPORTANT: The VIN can be located in several places on the vehicle, the most common is on a metal plate that is placed on the instrument panel, on the left side of the vehicle. You can also find your car's VIN on the license or title.
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Vehicle taxes in Puerto Rico
To know how much you pay for car taxes in Puerto Rico, it is necessary to see the classification that exists according to the type of vehicle. Here we explain it to you.
Automobiles
They are self-propelled vehicles, designed to transport people. This category includes hearses and carriages carrying flowers. The rate is applied according to the value of the car. The minimum tax is $637.50.
Buses
They are vehicles known as buses or guaguas that have capacity for 15 passengers. or more (including the driver), and a 20% tax on the taxable price in Puerto Rico is applied to them.
Note: Ambulances are also included within this definition.
Thrusters
All vehicles that have been specially designed to tow trailers They must pay 17% of the taxable price in Puerto Rico.
Trucks
Trucks, trailer cars, vans, and similar vehicles, designed to transport cargo, must pay 10% of the taxable price. In Puerto Rico.
Trailers designed to be pulled by trucks must also pay that percentage of their price.
Motorcycles
These are vehicles with less than four wheels and self-propelled.commonly known as motorcycles, motorbikes and scooters that are designed to transport people. A 10% tax rate is applied to them in Puerto Rico.
ATV Vehicles
ATV vehicles are those that have more than three wheels (known in English as “Four Track” or “All Terrain Vehicles”) and are not authorized to travel on public roads. They must pay 10% of the taxable price in Puerto Rico.
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Requirements to pay taxes
The documents required to pay taxes in Puerto Rico are the following:
- commercial invoice
- Bill of Lading (B/L maritime company that transports your merchandise)
- Appraisal (in the case of vehicles)
- Any other document that is requested at the time by the Secretary
How to pay taxes in Puerto Rico?
You can pay the cost of car taxes in Puerto Rico through SURI.
If you don't have an account, follow this link and register. If you have already done so, enter the platform with your username and password.
There are several alternatives to pay taxes in Puerto Rico:
- ACH Debit (Direct Debit)
- ACH Credit (if you comply with Publication 06-06)
- Credit card
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Items or products that are subject to the payment of taxes in Puerto Rico
The following products must pay taxes in Puerto Rico:
- Vehicles
- Boats and heavy equipment
- Gasoline, “gas oil” or “diesel oil”
- Crude oil, products partially manufactured or finished with petroleum and any mixture of hydrocarbons
- Cigarettes (if manufactured locally or if introduced into Puerto Rico)
- Smokeless tobacco
- Cement (if manufactured locally or if introduced to Puerto Rico)
- Sugar
- Plastic products
IMPORTANT: There are some exemptions applicable to certain items. For more detailed information you should contact the offices of the Consumer Tax Bureau.
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Can I buy a car in the USA and bring it to Puerto Rico?
You can buy a car in the USA and bring it to Puerto Rico if you have the documents and requirements that are requested (commercial invoice, appraisal, etc.), and you pay the corresponding tax according to the value of the car.
How long does it take to ship a car to Puerto Rico?
That depends on the place from which the car is shipped to Puerto Rico. Sea transportation from Florida (Jacksonville) to Puerto Rico (San Juan) lasts 3 days. From Eddystone (Delaware, Pennsylvania) to San Juan it is estimated 7 days.
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