Income Tax Return Deadlines for Legal Entities Announced

Income Tax Return Deadlines for Legal Entities Begin This Week in Colombia

Bogota, May 12, 2026: The deadlines for legal entities in Colombia to file their income tax returns begin this week, with more than 1.27 million corporate taxpayers expected to comply with the obligation before the Directorate of National Taxes and Customs, known as DIAN. The tax authority has announced that the filing period for legal entities starts on May 12, 2026, and will continue until May 26, 2026, depending on the last digit of each taxpayer’s Tax Identification Number, or NIT.

According to DIAN, the government expects to collect COP 27.8 trillion through the income tax return process for legal entities. The figure is important because in Colombian Spanish, “27.8 billones” refers to 27.8 trillion pesos in English, not 27.8 billion. The collection will come from 1,273,214 taxpayers located across the country.

The announcement is significant for companies, businesses, associations, foundations and other organisations that are legally required to declare income tax. The filing process is one of the most important annual tax responsibilities for legal entities in Colombia, as it reports their income, costs, deductions, taxable income and final tax liability for the relevant fiscal year.

Bogotá Has the Highest Number of Corporate Taxpayers

DIAN’s data shows that the largest share of taxpayers required to submit the income tax return is concentrated in Bogotá. The capital accounts for 470,504 legal entities, representing 36.9% of the total taxpayers expected to file. Medellín follows with 176,390 taxpayers, equal to 13.8%. Cali has 84,396 taxpayers, Barranquilla has 78,326, and Cartagena has 49,236.

This distribution reflects the economic concentration of formal businesses in Colombia’s major urban centres. Bogotá continues to lead as the country’s main business and administrative hub, while Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla and Cartagena remain important commercial and industrial centres. The figures also show how income tax compliance is closely linked with the formal economy, company registration and the broader corporate tax base.

Filing Dates Depend on the Last Digit of the NIT

The deadline for each legal entity depends on the last digit of its NIT. DIAN has stated that the filing and first payment period will run from May 12 to May 26, 2026. Companies whose NIT ends in 1 must file on May 12, followed by NIT ending in 2 on May 13, 3 on May 14, and 4 on May 15. After the weekend and holiday gap, the schedule continues with NIT ending in 5 on May 19, 6 on May 20, 7 on May 21, 8 on May 22, 9 on May 25 and 0 on May 26.

This staggered calendar is used to manage the high volume of taxpayers accessing DIAN’s systems and to give companies a clear date for compliance. Businesses should not wait until the final day without checking their financial records, tax documents and digital access credentials. Any delay in preparing the return may increase the risk of errors or late submission.

One Payment or Two Payments: What Companies Must Know

DIAN has also clarified how the payment must be made. If the value of the income tax return is less than 41 UVT, equivalent to COP 2,147,334, the payment must be made in a single instalment. However, if the value exceeds this amount, the taxpayer may divide the payment into two instalments.

This rule is important for small companies and entities with lower tax liabilities, as they may be required to pay the full amount at once. Larger taxpayers, or those with tax liabilities above the 41 UVT threshold, can manage their cash flow by making the payment in two parts.

The first payment is linked to the May filing schedule. The second instalment, where applicable, must be paid between July 9 and July 23, 2026, again according to the last digit of the NIT. For example, NIT ending in 1 must pay the second instalment on July 9, while NIT ending in 0 must do so on July 23.

Why This Deadline Matters for Companies

The income tax return is not just a routine formality. For legal entities, it is a formal declaration of their financial and tax position before the state. It shows how much income the entity generated, what expenses and deductions were applied, and how much tax is payable. For DIAN, the process is also a major source of national revenue.

The expected collection of COP 27.8 trillion shows the fiscal importance of corporate income tax in Colombia. These resources contribute to public finances and support government spending. For companies, timely compliance helps avoid penalties, late-payment interest and administrative complications. Radio Nacional noted that the deadlines mark the maximum period for compliance without sanctions or late-payment interest.

Businesses that miss their assigned date may face additional costs. They may also experience difficulties in later procedures, especially if they need tax certificates, banking services, public contracts or formal compliance records.

What Are Legal Entities?

Legal entities are organisations recognised by law as having their own rights and obligations. These may include companies, corporations, foundations, associations, cooperatives and other registered organisations. A legal entity is separate from the individuals who own, manage or belong to it. This means it can enter into contracts, own assets, take on debts and respond to legal and tax obligations in its own name.

In the tax system, this separation is important because companies and organisations must declare income and pay taxes according to their own financial activity. The income tax return for legal entities therefore differs from the income tax return for individuals.

DIAN Urges Taxpayers to Use Official Channels

DIAN has advised taxpayers with questions about the income tax return process to contact the official service line 601 489 9000. The line operates Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Taxpayers may also visit DIAN contact points across the country for assistance.

Companies should rely only on official DIAN channels, certified accountants or authorised tax advisers when preparing their return. They should avoid depending on informal advice, unverified links or unofficial platforms, especially during peak filing periods.

Businesses Should Review Their Documents Early

Before filing the income tax return, legal entities should review their accounting records, financial statements, income documents, costs, deductions, withholding certificates, tax balances and previous declarations. They should also check that the NIT information is correct and that the person filing has valid access to DIAN’s digital systems.

For many companies, the declaration is prepared with the help of accountants or tax professionals. However, the legal responsibility remains with the taxpayer. This means that business owners and legal representatives should carefully review the return before submission.

A Key Moment in Colombia’s Tax Calendar

The May filing period is one of the most important points in Colombia’s 2026 tax calendar. It affects more than 1.27 million legal entities and will generate a major portion of the country’s corporate tax revenue. The deadline schedule gives companies a clear timeline, but it also requires timely preparation.

For taxpayers, the message is simple: check the last digit of the NIT, confirm the assigned deadline, prepare the documents and submit the return on time. Companies with a tax liability below 41 UVT must pay in one instalment, while those above the threshold may divide the payment into two parts.

As the deadlines begin, DIAN’s announcement serves as a reminder that tax compliance is central to business operations. Filing on time can help companies avoid penalties, maintain good standing and fulfil one of their most important annual obligations before the Colombian tax authority.