Legal Services

Accounting Records obligations

For Panama Companies and Private Foundations.
Updated requirements as per Decree No. 177 dated December 30, 2024,

Introduction:
Since 2016, it has been mandatory for any legal entity in Panama that does not perform operations perfected, executed, or taking effect within the Republic of Panama to keep accounting records and supporting documentation. This obligation also applies to entities acting solely as asset holders in any country.

Recent Changes:
Recently, through Executive Decree No. 177 dated December 30, 2024, some of the previous rules for maintaining accounting records have been changed and simplified, making compliance more feasible.

Requirements According to Executive Decree No. 177
How These Records Should Be Kept:

Entities without operations or assets:

Entities without operations or assets must submit an annual affidavit declaring their inactivity.

This affidavit should be filed yearly with the resident agent to fulfill this legal requirement.

Entities with Operations or Assets:

Entities with operations or assets outside Panama must submit a balance sheet reflecting their financial position. The new executive decree includes a form example for this submission. Download links are available at the bottom of this page

Additional Requirements from Panamanian Authorities:

It is mandatory to maintain internally by the client, supporting documentation that confirms the information presented in the balance sheet.

You must be prepared to provide support and additional details on your balance sheets and financial statements if requested by a Panamanian authority, in compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

Mandatory information required by the Resident Agents:

Clients must inform us, as the Resident Agent of the company or foundation, about the contact person maintaining the accounting records and the address where they are kept. This information should be supplied using our due diligence form required for each corporation or foundation.

 

Legal Entities Exempt from the Obligation to Deliver Annual Accounting Records to the Resident Agent:

  • Those that are tax residents in the Republic of Panama or carry out operations that take effect in Panama.
  • Those listed on a recognized local or international stock exchange.
  • Those owned by an international, multinational, or state organization.
  • Owners or charterers of vessels registered exclusively under the international merchant marine service of the Republic of Panama.

Sanctions:

Failure to comply with the obligations set forth in the Accounting Records Law and the new decree results in fines for legal entities ranging from US$5,000 to US$1,000,000 without prejudice to other sanctions such as suspension of corporate rights and forced liquidation of the legal entity.

 

 

Important Deadlines:

  • For Legal Entities:
    Legal entities must submit their accounting records for the previous fiscal year to their resident agent by April 30 each year. This includes records for the 2024 fiscal year and all future years, which are due by April 30, 2025.
  • For Resident Agents:
    The deadline for resident agents to submit a sworn statement about the accounting records for the 2021, 2022, and 2023 periods has been extended to March 31, 2025. Starting from January 1, 2025, a new decree establishes June 15 as the yearly deadline for resident agents to file a declaration with the Directorate General of Revenue (DGI) about whether entities have met their obligations, irrespective of their operational status.

Do not hesitate to contact us for any questions regarding the obligation to maintain accounting records and their submission to the resident agent to comply with the current regulations in Panama. We are ready to assist you and guide you through these obligations.

Contact

Get in touch with us!

OUR OFFICE

Advanced Tower, 1st Floor
Panama City, Panama

CONTACT US

+507 264.5570 | 264.5931
[email protected]
LinkedIn