🇨🇲 Cameroon Tax Guide — Income, Corporate & VAT Rates

The tax rates in Cameroon range from 10% to 35% for personal income, with a corporate tax rate of 33% and a value-added tax (VAT) rate of 19.25%.

Tax System Overview

Cameroon has a territorial taxation system, where residents are taxed on their Cameroon-sourced income, regardless of where it is earned. Non-residents are taxed only on their Cameroon-sourced income. To be considered a tax resident, an individual must have a permanent home in Cameroon, spend more than 183 days in the country in a calendar year, or have their center of economic interests in Cameroon. The tax system is administered by the General Taxation Directorate (DGTC), which is responsible for collecting taxes, enforcing tax laws, and providing taxpayer services.

The tax year in Cameroon runs from January to December, and taxpayers are required to file their tax returns by March 31st of the following year. The tax authorities also offer a range of services to help taxpayers comply with their tax obligations, including online filing and payment systems. Additionally, Cameroon has a network of tax treaties with 16 countries, which helps to prevent double taxation and promote international trade and investment.

Personal Income Tax

Corporate & Business Tax

• The corporate tax rate in Cameroon is 33%, which applies to all companies, including small and medium-sized enterprises.
• Small businesses with an annual turnover of less than XAF 100,000,000 may be eligible for a reduced tax rate of 25%.
• Cameroon has several free zones, including the Douala and Yaounde industrial zones, which offer tax incentives and other benefits to companies operating in these areas.
• Companies operating in Cameroon are required to register with the tax authorities and obtain a tax identification number (TIN) before commencing business.
• Companies are also required to file their tax returns annually, and may be subject to penalties and fines for non-compliance.

VAT / Sales Tax

• The standard VAT rate in Cameroon is 19.25%, which applies to most goods and services.
• A reduced VAT rate of 10% applies to certain basic necessities, such as food, medicine, and educational materials.
• Some goods and services, such as financial services and real estate, are exempt from VAT.
• Cameroon has a tourist refund scheme, which allows tourists to claim a refund of VAT paid on certain goods and services.

For Expats & Foreign Workers

• Expats and foreign workers are considered tax residents in Cameroon if they spend more than 183 days in the country in a calendar year.
• Cameroon has double taxation treaties with 16 countries, which helps to prevent double taxation and promote international trade and investment.
• Expats and foreign workers may be required to make social security contributions, which are used to fund social security benefits, such as healthcare and retirement benefits.
• Expats and foreign workers may also be subject to remittance rules, which require them to repatriate a portion of their earnings to their home country.
• Expats and foreign workers may be eligible for tax credits and other benefits, such as a foreign tax credit, which can help to reduce their tax liability.
• Expats and foreign workers are also required to register with the tax authorities and obtain a tax identification number (TIN) before commencing work in Cameroon.

Crypto & Investment Income

• Investment income, such as dividends and interest, is subject to a withholding tax of 10%.
• Capital gains are subject to a tax rate of 10%, and are considered part of an individual's taxable income.
• Cryptocurrency is considered a taxable asset in Cameroon, and is subject to the same tax rules as other investments.
• Taxpayers are required to declare their investment income on their tax return, and may be subject to penalties and fines for non-compliance.