DGI Suspends RUC for 30,500 Companies in Panama: Keys to Tax Compliance in 2025

Panama continues to consolidate its position as an attractive destination for international entrepreneurs and investors, thanks to its strategic location, economic stability, and a territorial tax system that favors investment. However, the dynamism of its economy goes hand in hand with increasing demands for compliance with tax regulations. The Directorate General of Revenue (DGI) has taken a forceful measure that underscores this reality: the suspension of the Single Taxpayer Registry (RUC) for 30,500 companies due to various inconsistencies. This event, scheduled for September 1, 2025, sends a clear message to the entire business community, especially those considering establishing a company in Panama or relocating their tax residency: compliance is not optional.

This article explores the implications of this DGI action, details the reasons behind these suspensions, and most importantly, offers an essential guide for your company in Panama to avoid falling into similar situations, ensuring transparent and law-abiding operations.

News Context: DGI’s Action in 2025

The DGI, the body responsible for tax administration in Panama, has suspended the RUC for a significant number of legal entities. This measure, formalized by Resolution No. 201-7109 of September 1, 2025, is a response to an exhaustive audit and cross-referencing of information that revealed serious irregularities in the Single Taxpayer Registry (RUC).

The reasons behind these suspensions fall into two main categories:

8,899 companies or legal entities were not properly identified or registered in the Public Registry, indicating a fundamental lack of correlation between commercial and tax records.
21,601 companies were disqualified due to a series of inconsistencies, including RUC duplication, incomplete or erroneous data, and other deficiencies in the information provided to the entity.

These actions are not just an administrative act; they are a signal of the DGI’s determination to modernize and increase transparency in the Panamanian tax system. Detailed lists of the affected companies are available for public consultation, which underscores the transparency of the process. You can consult the list of companies at the following link: Resolución N 201-7109.Lista de personas jurídicas con deficiencia en la actualización de RUC.pdf

What Does RUC Suspension Mean for a Company in Panama?

The RUC suspension in Panama has a direct and immediate impact on the operability of any entity. Once suspended, the RUC disables the company from performing any type of procedure or request through the e-Tax 2.0 platform, the official portal for tax management. The implications are vast and can completely paralyze a company’s commercial and financial operations:

Electronic Invoicing: Companies will not be able to issue valid electronic invoices, which interrupts the revenue cycle and compliance with clients and suppliers.
Tax Declarations: The submission of Income Tax (ISR), Transfer Tax on Movable Goods and Services (ITBMS) declarations, among other taxes and tax obligations, is prevented.
Payments and Tax Consultations: Tax payments cannot be made, nor can the status of tax obligations be verified, leading to automatic non-compliance and the generation of surcharges and interest.
Report Submission: Formal obligations such as submitting purchase and sales reports or planilla 03 (payroll form) are suspended, causing accounting and tax disarray.

Javier Mitre, tax lawyer and CEO of CCPF fiscal training center, explained that this measure has a direct impact on the operations of affected companies, as it prevents them from issuing electronic invoices, filing tax declarations such as ITBMS, stamps, or selective consumption taxes, as well as complying with formal obligations such as submitting purchase and sales reports, or planilla 03.

“The RUC suspension not only limits the normal course of business operations, but it can also generate serious economic consequences, including the imposition of automatic fines exceeding $1,000 per month,” Mitre states.

Furthermore, he specifies that in practice, companies with suspended RUCs are in a state of fiscal and administrative paralysis, with the additional risk of non-compliance with suppliers, clients, and public entities.

This RUC suspension in Panama essentially represents a fiscal disqualification that can have severe financial repercussions, including the imposition of automatic fines that can exceed $1,000 per month.

Direct Operational Consequences of RUC Suspension

Beyond fines and the inability to operate on e-Tax 2.0, the day-to-day consequences for a company with a suspended RUC are profound and complex:

Invoicing and its Legal Validity

Electronic Invoicing: This invoicing method relies on prior validation by the Qualified Authorization Provider (PAC) and its subsequent transfer to the DGI. If the DGI does not validate the document due to RUC suspension, the invoice could be considered invalid. This not only creates problems for the issuing company but can also lead to penalties, as the QR validation code for the consumer would not be recognized as valid.
Fiscal Equipment: Although fiscal equipment issues receipts to the taxpayer that do not require prior validation for their issuance, the RUC suspension implies that the information transmitted daily to the DGI will not correspond to a ‘registered’ and compliant business. In the long term, this can lead to audits and penalties for fiscal inconsistency.

Impact on Commercial Activity

It is important to note that the RUC suspension in Panama does not revoke a company’s legal personality or its Operation Notice, which is the registration for engaging in commercial or industrial activities. However, tax non-compliance associated with RUC suspension carries penalties provided in Panamanian legislation (Art. 273 L.76/2019). These penalties may include the temporary closure of businesses for up to two days in case of recurrence, which requires authorization from the Tax Administrative Tribunal.

In summary, RUC suspension is a state of fiscal and administrative paralysis that exposes the company to significant risks, from economic fines to the interruption of its essential operations and loss of trust with its business partners.

Proactive Strategies to Avoid RUC Suspension in Panama

For entrepreneurs and investors operating in Panama or planning to establish their business, prevention is key. Adopting a proactive stance in fiscal and corporate management is fundamental to avoiding RUC suspension in Panama and the serious consequences it entails:

Constant Data Verification and Updating: It is imperative that your company’s information in the RUC is always up-to-date and perfectly matches the records of the Public Registry of Panama. Any discrepancy can be a reason for suspension.
Preventive Tax Audits: Conducting periodic reviews of your accounting and fiscal processes with professionals can identify and correct inconsistencies before the DGI does. This includes reviewing all declarations and formal obligations.
Rigorous Document Management: Maintaining an organized and complete file of all corporate documents, licenses, permits, and communications with government entities is essential.
Understanding the Tax Framework: Familiarizing yourself with Panama’s tax laws and their updates is crucial. Solid knowledge of tax obligations helps ensure compliance.

These measures not only ensure regulatory compliance but also strengthen the credibility and sustainability of your company in the Panamanian market. Panama is an attractive investment environment, and the DGI seeks to ensure that all participants operate under the same rules of transparency and legality.

What to Do if Your RUC Has Been Suspended? Essential Steps

If your company is among those affected by the RUC suspension in Panama, it is crucial to act immediately and strategically. DGI Resolution No. 201-7109 allows affected taxpayers to access the online platform to ascertain their status and the specific reasons for the suspension. The recommended steps are:

Access the e-Tax 2.0 Platform: Verify your RUC status and the detailed reasons for the suspension. The DGI has indicated that many of the reasons stem from data deficiencies or absence that did not match the information in the Public Registry.
Identify the Root Cause: Determine if the inconsistency is due to RUC duplication, lack of identification in the Public Registry, or errors in the declared information.
Gather Necessary Documentation: Prepare all documents that demonstrate the correction of data or the remediation of irregularities. This could include Public Registry certificates, updated deeds, or proof of correct information.
Approach the DGI: Personally or through a legal/fiscal representative, present your case and the required documentation to request the reinstatement of your RUC.
Seek Professional Advice: Given the complexity of the process and the legal and fiscal implications, it is highly recommended to have the support of tax lawyers and experts in Panamanian corporate law.

Speed and accuracy in responding to RUC suspension are crucial to minimizing the negative impact on your company’s operation and finances.

The Importance of Expert Advice When Establishing Your Company or Residency in Panama

The DGI’s recent action is a clear reminder that, while Panama offers a favorable business environment, diligence and knowledge of local regulations are indispensable. For international entrepreneurs and investors, navigating the legal and tax system of a new country can be a significant challenge. This is where the expertise of a specialized team like PanamaWay becomes invaluable.

At PanamaWay, we understand the complexities associated with company formation, obtaining tax residency, and managing tax compliance in Panama. Our services are designed to:

Ensure Correct Formation: We ensure your company is properly registered, with all data and documents in order from day one, avoiding future inconsistencies that could lead to an RUC suspension in Panama.
Legal Tax Optimization: We advise you on the Panamanian tax system, ensuring your corporate structure complies with all obligations and takes advantage of legal benefits.
Compliance Maintenance: We offer continuous support for updating your records, submitting declarations, and complying with all DGI and Public Registry regulations.
Resolution of Complex Situations: In case of problems or suspensions, our legal and fiscal team is prepared to intervene and guide you through the regularization process.

The peace of mind that comes from knowing your investment and operations in Panama are in expert hands allows you to focus on what truly matters: the growth and success of your business.

Conclusion: Tax Compliance as a Pillar of Your Success in Panama

The DGI’s suspension of the RUC for 30,500 companies in Panama in 2025 is a milestone that underscores the critical importance of tax compliance. For international investors and entrepreneurs, this event serves as a powerful warning: deep knowledge and impeccable management of tax and corporate obligations are fundamental to operating successfully and without interruption in the country.

Panama remains a land of unparalleled opportunities, but these opportunities must be seized with a solid foundation of legality and transparency. Ensuring that your Single Taxpayer Registry and all your corporate records are in perfect order is not just an obligation, but an investment in the stability and future of your company.

At PanamaWay, we understand the complexity of establishing and operating a business in a new country. Our team of experts is ready to guide you through the process of company formation in Panama, guarantee tax residency, and ensure full compliance with local regulations. Don’t let bureaucracy hinder your vision. Contact us today for a personalized consultation and take the first step towards the success of your investment in Panama.