DGI Income Tax Rates in Cameroon for 2024

As with many other industrialized countries, there are two main income tax systems in Cameroon: one for individuals and one for other entities. Taxes apply to both residents and non-residents. Varying rates may be levied based on the categories of income which include profits, salaries and wages, income from stocks and shares, income from real estate, profits from non-commercial and related professions.

What is income tax? Income tax refers to payments that individuals or companies are required to make to the government based on earnings derived from various sources. These earnings or income may include employment wages, pensions and investments. 

The taxation system in Cameroon is administered by the official tax body, the Direction Générale des Impôts (DGI). The General Tax Code, the primary source of tax law, provides support and guidance in the form of income tax tables for individuals and businesses. Taxpayers must familiarize themselves with these tax tables and the corresponding tax brackets and tax rates, for effective tax planning and to remain compliant with tax laws in Cameroon.

Here you will learn about:

• headline tax rates
• personal income tax (PIT) rates
• corporate income tax (CIT) rates 
• capital gains tax (CGT) rates
• value-added tax (VAT) rates

Headline Tax Rates in Cameroon

Personal Income Tax (PIT) Brackets in Cameroon for 2024

Residents are taxed on their worldwide income while non-residents are taxed on their Cameroon-sourced income only. Individual income tax may either be taxed proportionately or progressively. While an employer has obligations to make monthly declarations of paid salaries and deductions with each pay cycle, and provide an annual declaration, an employee also has an obligation to declare their income by the prescribed time frame. 

Except for workers and natural persons, there is a minimum tax of either 2.2% or 5.5% of turnover. This rate will depend on the tax regime applicable to the taxpayer.

Personal Income Tax Due Dates

Corporate Income Tax (CIT) Rates in Cameroon for 2024

Corporate tax is paid by limited companies and civil partnerships. Income tax is classified in two large categories: company income tax and specific taxes which are levied on certain products. It is important to note that sole traders/sole proprietors are taxed under corporate income tax.

Cameroon has a minimum corporate tax rate of 2.2% or 5.5% based on the corporate entity’s turnover and depending on the tax regime of the taxpayer. 

Corporate Income Tax Due Dates

Capital Gains Tax (CGT) in Cameroon

Withholding Tax Rates for Residents and Non-Residents in Cameroon

A special income tax (SIT) is levied by the state, regional or local authorities on income paid to natural persons and corporate bodies domiciled abroad by individuals or entities located in Cameroon. SIT rates are generally 15% but may be reduced to 3% in specified circumstances and SIT rates are subject to international tax treaties.

As Cameroon is signatory to several double taxation treaties (DTTs), a taxpayer may benefit from the provisions of these DTTs. As such, the taxes may be reduced or removed by a DTT in place.

Value-Added Tax Rates in Cameroon