Navigating VAT in Mexico

This guide provides an overview of VAT in Mexico, including applicable rates, registration requirements, compliance obligations, and filing deadlines. It is designed for businesses engaging in transactions within Mexico.

Last Updated: November 2025

Border regions often enjoy lower VAT rates to boost cross-border trade with the US.

Mexico at a glance.

Standard rate

16% VAT

Digital services VAT

Yes, at 16%

Mandate e-invoicing

Yes

Currency

Mexican Peso (MXN)

Zero-rated items

Applies to specific goods such as food, medicine, and books

VAT format

13 digits

Fiscal representation

Yes, required for non-resident businesses conducting VAT-related activities in Mexico

VAT compliance in Mexico.

Doing business in Mexico? You’ll need to play by the Mexican Value Added Tax Law (Ley del IVA).

Who needs to register?

Non-resident businesses must register only if they exceed the threshold; those below the threshold are not eligible to register.

VAT registration in Mexico
VAT filing deadlines in Mexico

Monthly

17th of the following month

VAT payment deadlines in Mexico

Monthly

17th of the following month

Digital services in scope
Things to note

Mexico requires foreign digital service providers to register for VAT if they supply digital services to consumers in Mexico.

e-invoicing in Mexico.
Summary of the mandate in this country

B2G mandate in place

Yes

B2B mandate in place

Yes

B2C mandate in place

Yes

Obligation status: B2B e-Invoicing

Historic

B2B e-Invoicing model

Centralised Exchange Clearance Model

Name of exchange infrastructure

SAT, PACs

Format(s) used

CFDI XML, PDF (2D barcode)

FAQs

Cancellation must occur within 72 hours of issuance.

If payment has already been made, customer approval is required before cancellation can proceed.

Cancellations must be approved by SAT.

Yes. Both imports and exports are subject to digital reporting using CFDI invoices.

A PAC (Proveedor Autorizado de Certificación) is a government-accredited provider that:

  • Receives and validates e-invoices
  • Applies the digital seal (CSD)
  • Forwards the validated invoice to SAT
  • Returns the UUID (Unique Identifier) and stamped CFDI to the taxpayer
Nearby countries.

Explore indirect tax information in these countries:

Canada
Costa Rica
Colombia

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