What is States of Guernsey Revenue Service?
The States of Guernsey Revenue Service (commonly called the Revenue Service or the States Revenue Service) is the government body responsible for administering income tax, document duty, and social insurance contributions in Guernsey. It is the equivalent of HMRC in the UK or the IRS in the US. It issues assessments, collects payments, and enforces compliance.
Example
A Guernsey business registers with the Revenue Service, files annual ET3 company returns, submits monthly ETI returns for its employees, and pays any tax assessed within 30 days of the demand notice.
How States of Guernsey Revenue Service works in Guernsey
The States of Guernsey Revenue Service is part of the States of Guernsey (the island's government), falling under the Committee for Policy and Resources. It is distinct from the Guernsey Financial Services Commission (GFSC), which regulates financial services, and the Guernsey Registry, which handles company incorporation.
**Core responsibilities** - Personal income tax: registration, annual returns (form IT1), assessments and collection - Company income tax: corporate return filing (ET1/ET3), assessments - Employer tax returns: the monthly ETI (Employees Tax and Insurance) system - Document duty on property transactions - Social insurance contributions (collected jointly with ETI) - Information exchange: Guernsey participates in OECD Common Reporting Standard (CRS) and FATCA
**How to interact with the Revenue Service** Most returns and payments are made online via the Revenue Service online portal (taxreturn.gov.gg). Registration as a new business, employer or individual requires notifying the Revenue Service within 28 days of commencing activity.
**Guernsey's information exchange commitments** Guernsey is a Participating Jurisdiction under the CRS (Common Reporting Standard). Guernsey financial institutions must report account information on non-Guernsey-resident account holders to the Revenue Service, which exchanges it with the relevant foreign tax authority annually. This means Guernsey is no longer a 'secret' jurisdiction — UK, US, EU, and most major country residents with Guernsey accounts are automatically reported.
**Enforcement** The Revenue Service can issue formal assessments (notices of assessment), raise enquiries into returns, and levy penalties and interest. Appeals against assessments go to the Tax Commissioners and ultimately the Royal Court of Guernsey.
**Contact** Revenue Service, Figtree Court, St Peter Port, GY1 1FE. Online at gov.gg/revenuservice.
Related terms
Guernsey operates a 0% corporate income tax rate for the vast majority of companies. Standard trading companies pay zero corporation tax on profits. Only specific regulated sectors face a 10% rate: banking businesses, domestic insurance licensees, insurance managers/intermediaries, fiduciaries, and fund administrators. The 0% rate is one of Guernsey's primary commercial attractions and applies regardless of the company's level of profit.
Guernsey taxes individuals resident in the island at a flat rate of 20% on worldwide income. There is no higher rate band, no capital gains tax, and no inheritance tax in Guernsey. Residents benefit from various personal allowances and reliefs that reduce the effective rate. Non-residents are taxed only on Guernsey-sourced income.
Guernsey Social Insurance contributions are mandatory payments made by employers and employees that fund the island's social insurance system, including unemployment benefit, sickness benefit, retirement pension, and other social security benefits. Contributions are collected by the States Insurance Authority and remitted via the ETI (Employees Tax and Insurance) monthly return system.
The Guernsey Registry is the government body responsible for incorporating and registering companies in Guernsey. It maintains the official register of Guernsey companies, limited partnerships, foundations, and other legal entities. All Guernsey companies must file an annual validation (similar to a UK confirmation statement) with the Registry and pay an annual fee.
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