Each year, in April, individuals and companies in Chile must file their annual income tax returns through Form No. 22 with the Internal Revenue Service (SII), in a process known as the “Operación Renta.” In this context, and to avoid errors and ensure an optimal tax refund process, Felipe Salinas, Tax Partner at CCL Auditores Consultores, shares a series of recommendations to make the 2026 filing process a success.
Changes, timing, audits, errors, and tax planning are among the key questions addressed by the expert (see highlights).
According to the Internal Revenue Service, approximately 5.1 million taxpayers are expected to file income tax returns in Chile, of which 4.1 million will receive a pre-filled proposal prepared by the authority.
At the regional level, a total of 56,738 returns were filed within the first deadline, which expired on April 8. Those who completed the process within that period and requested a bank deposit will receive their refund, if applicable, on April 29.
According to the SII, individuals who must file a return include those who, during 2025, exceeded annual income of CLP $11,265,804, had more than one employer, issued professional fee invoices, started business activities, or wish to access tax refunds and benefits.
Additionally, the SII has enabled more than 115 in-person assistance centers nationwide, in collaboration with educational institutions, along with regular service at its 71 offices.
The deadline to file income tax returns is April 30.
Which week is best to file a tax return?
It is advisable not to rush. There are two main complexities in this process: on the one hand, many companies are still updating the information reported to the SII through sworn statements, and on the other, the SII system has presented multiple errors so far this month. A good time to file is the week of April 20 for those who need to make payments, in order to prevent any potential cash flow issues. For those expecting a refund, it is worth noting that the deadline to file is May 8, and filing during the week of April 27 provides greater certainty that the SII information will not change.
How do new tax compliance rules impact this filing?
There are no significant changes that materially affect tax compliance for this filing.
What key decisions should be made before filing?
For companies, it is common to find that the tax regime registered with the SII differs from the one the company is legally required to follow. In such cases, it is essential to correct this discrepancy with the SII, as failure to do so may prevent the proper filing of the return.
Which taxpayers are most exposed to audits this year?
While the SII continuously seeks to improve tax oversight processes, this year special attention should be paid to Value Added Tax (VAT). Recently, authorities have intensified audits on companies that misuse VAT-related documents, with several high-profile cases involving fraudulent practices. Additionally, increased regulation is expected regarding sales documentation, particularly Resolution No. 154 (whose implementation was postponed from May 1 to November 1, 2026), which requires companies to provide detailed information in delivery notes—often involving complex, costly, and time-consuming system adjustments.
What are the main changes compared to the previous Operación Renta?
From a regulatory standpoint, no major changes are expected for this tax filing. However, the SII has introduced a “partial pre-filled Form No. 22” for companies, indicating expected values in certain key fields. While this can be helpful in identifying discrepancies or understanding the SII’s focus areas, it has been observed that some of these fields are incorrectly pre-filled, and in some cases, taxpayers are unable to properly complete their returns.
What are the most common errors and how can they be avoided?
Individuals tend to rely heavily on the SII’s pre-filled proposal, which is based on information submitted by companies. Although this data should have been reported by March, it is not uncommon for it to be updated in early April due to errors or delays. Additionally, although less frequent, errors often occur when reporting foreign income, either due to a lack of understanding of how to recognize such income or failure to apply available tax benefits or deductions related to foreign investments. This applies to both individuals and companies.
What tax planning opportunities are available this year?
The 2026 tax year filing is already largely defined. Remaining considerations include identifying assets eligible for accelerated depreciation or applying benefits such as reinvestment for SMEs (which allows part of undistributed profits to be deducted from taxable income). It is also important to verify whether the company’s tax regime aligns with legal requirements and the owners’ preferences. If a change is possible, the deadline to do so is the last day of April.
Looking ahead, potential tax reform discussions may introduce new benefits, but for now, the best approach is a comprehensive review of improvement opportunities.
How can companies optimize their tax burden efficiently and safely?
First and foremost, it is essential to have proper knowledge or professional advice when selecting tax strategies, and to carefully assess whether available tax benefits are worthwhile. Many “too-good-to-be-true” offers on social media may seem attractive but could lead to long-term issues.
The best recommendation is to plan ahead rather than making decisions during the filing process itself. For companies, responsible tax optimization may include reinvesting profits, applying accelerated depreciation, or reviewing eligibility for specific tax benefits. However, a thorough and strategic review remains the most effective approach this year.
Felipe Salinas
Tax Partner
CCL Auditores Consultores