If you have incorporated or are about to incorporate a corporation (sociedad anónima) in Uruguay, you have probably heard of ICOSA: an annual tax that applies specifically to corporations (SAs) and is part of the operating costs of this company type. Unlike other business taxes such as IRAE or VAT, ICOSA is a fixed, mandatory annual payment whose amount is updated every year. Knowing what it is, who pays it, when it is due and how to pay it to DGI is key to keeping your company compliant and avoiding fines or surcharges. In this article we explain in detail how ICOSA works in 2026, which companies are subject to it, the current amount and the practical steps to meet this obligation. If you are deciding which type of company suits you, or you already run an SA, this guide will help you plan your company’s annual maintenance properly.

What ICOSA is and which companies pay it

The Corporations Control Tax (Impuesto de Control de las Sociedades Anónimas, ICOSA) is an annual tax on corporations incorporated in Uruguay. It was created as a mechanism to control and fund government supervision of this company type, historically considered the most formal and structured in the Uruguayan legal system. ICOSA is a fixed-amount tax: it is not calculated on the company’s income or net worth, but set every year by executive decree and expressed in Indexed Units (UI).

Only corporations — both public and closely held — incorporated under Law 16,060 are required to pay ICOSA. By contrast, Simplified Joint-Stock Companies (SAS), governed by Law 19,820, are not subject to this tax, which is one of the main economic advantages of this modern company type. Limited liability companies (SRLs), sole proprietorships and other company types under Uruguayan law do not pay ICOSA either.

It is important to note that ICOSA is payable whether the corporation is active or dormant, with or without income, with or without assets. The mere fact of being registered with the National Commerce Registry as a corporation creates the obligation to pay this tax every year. For this reason, many companies without active commercial operations consider a corporate restructuring in Uruguay or even dissolution, to avoid paying taxes with no operational return.

Differences from other business taxes

Unlike IRAE, which taxes business income at 25% of net taxable income, or the corporate wealth tax in Uruguay, which applies to the net worth of corporations and partnerships limited by shares, ICOSA does not depend on economic activity or company size. It is a fixed annual payment, administrative in nature, intended to help fund the corporate oversight system. This means that a newly incorporated SA with no turnover will pay the same ICOSA as a company with significant commercial activity.

ICOSA amount in 2026 and how it is updated

The ICOSA amount is set every year by executive decree and expressed in Indexed Units (UI). For 2026, the figure is the value in force under the decree published by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, usually at the end of the previous year or the start of the current one. Although the exact amount in Uruguayan pesos varies daily because of UI indexation, the UI equivalent remains constant throughout the tax year.

To find the updated ICOSA 2026 amount in Uruguayan pesos, you need to check the UI value in force on the payment date, published daily by the Central Bank of Uruguay (BCU), and multiply it by the number of UI set by decree. Historically, the ICOSA amount has stayed within a relatively stable range, adjusted for inflation. Accounting and notarial firms usually publish updated values, and DGI itself announces them through its official channels.

It is essential for directors, legal representatives and managers of corporations to include this payment in their annual maintenance budget. Anyone considering incorporating a company should factor in this fixed cost when comparing how much it costs to maintain a company in Uruguay under different company types. For example, an SAS does not pay ICOSA, which can mean significant savings for single-owner structures or those with little commercial activity.

Updating and predictability of the tax

Updating ICOSA through the UI provides predictability in real terms, even if the nominal value in pesos changes. This makes financial planning easier, especially for companies with cross-border operations or regional structures that need to budget maintenance costs in several jurisdictions. Professional advice on tax strategy helps anticipate these costs and assess more efficient corporate alternatives depending on the profile of the company and its partners.

ICOSA due date and how to pay

ICOSA is due once a year, traditionally in the first half of the calendar year. DGI sets the specific due dates by resolution, published on its official website and in the annual tax calendar. In general, payment is due between March and May, but it is essential to check the current schedule every year, as it may change depending on the tax authority’s decisions.

Payment is made exclusively through DGI’s authorised channels, via the electronic payment system. To pay ICOSA, the taxpayer must log in to DGI’s online platform (with the company’s RUT and access password), select ICOSA in the tax obligations menu, confirm the amount payable in Uruguayan pesos at the current UI value, and pay by direct debit from a bank account, through a payment network or by electronic transfer.

It is essential not to delay this payment beyond the due date, as non-payment incurs surcharges, fines and default interest. In addition, failure to pay ICOSA can prevent the company from carrying out certain procedures with government agencies, and may even lead to the company being included in the register of tax defaulters. For companies operating in regulated sectors or requiring financial licences and regulatory approval, keeping ICOSA up to date is an unavoidable compliance and governance requirement.

What happens if I do not pay ICOSA on time?

Late payment of ICOSA is governed by DGI’s general rules on surcharges and interest. DGI applies a monthly interest rate to the outstanding balance, which is updated periodically. It may also impose fines and administrative penalties. In extreme cases of prolonged default, DGI can initiate enforced collection proceedings, which may affect the company’s assets and, in certain circumstances, the directors’ liability. That is why it is advisable to have the support of a notary for companies in Uruguay or an accounting firm that manages tax deadlines centrally.

How to pay ICOSA to DGI step by step

Paying ICOSA is a simple procedure, but it requires accurate data and access to DGI’s electronic platform. These are the practical steps to complete the payment correctly:

• Log in to the DGI portal: use the corporation’s RUT and the access password of the legal representative or authorised attorney-in-fact.
• Select the ICOSA tax: in the tax obligations menu, find the option for the Corporations Control Tax.
• Check the amount: the system automatically calculates the amount payable in Uruguayan pesos at the UI value on the date of payment.
• Choose a payment method: you can pay by direct debit from a bank account (if the company has a linked account), through authorised payment networks (RedPagos, Abitab, bank networks) or by electronic transfer.
• Confirm the payment and download the receipt: once the payment is processed, download the PDF receipt. This document is your proof of compliance and should be filed with the company’s accounting and tax records.

The whole process can be completed 100% online, without visiting DGI offices or submitting paper forms. This is in line with the digital procedures Uruguay promotes, including the outsourced general counsel model and other remote management tools that make running a business easier.

Common mistakes when paying ICOSA

One of the most frequent mistakes is confusing ICOSA with other taxes, such as the corporate wealth tax, and making duplicate or incorrect payments. Another common mistake is not updating contact details or attorneys-in-fact with DGI, which can make it difficult to access the platform or receive notices. It is also common to forget the annual due date, especially in dormant companies or those with little activity. That is why it is advisable to work with a tax calendar shared with the management team, or to delegate this task to professionals specialising in wealth planning and company administration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do SASs pay ICOSA in Uruguay?

No. Simplified Joint-Stock Companies (SAS) are not subject to ICOSA. This tax applies exclusively to corporations (SAs) incorporated under Law 16,060. This difference is one of the main incentives for choosing the SAS as a company type, especially for single-owner ventures or those with little commercial activity.

What happens if my corporation has no commercial activity?

ICOSA is payable whether or not the SA has commercial activity, income or assets. The mere fact of being registered with the National Commerce Registry as a corporation creates the annual obligation to pay this tax. If the company has no operations, you can consider dissolving it, converting it into another company type or suspending it temporarily, depending on your business strategy.

Can I pay ICOSA in instalments?

No. ICOSA is an annual tax paid in a single instalment. There is no payment plan or instalment scheme for this tax. The full amount must be paid on the date set by DGI in its annual tax calendar. If you have financial difficulties, it is advisable to consult your accountant or tax adviser to assess restructuring or internal refinancing alternatives.

Conclusion

ICOSA 2026 is an annual, fixed-amount tax obligation that all corporations in Uruguay must pay. Knowing its nature, due date and how to pay it is essential to keep your company compliant, avoid surcharges and ensure regulatory compliance. Although paying it is simple and can be done entirely online, having a professional team manage your tax, accounting and corporate obligations lets you focus on growing your business with peace of mind and legal certainty. At sociedadesanonimas.uy, we support entrepreneurs and business owners at every stage of their company’s life cycle: from same-day incorporation to the full management of procedures with DGI, BPS, AIN and other agencies. If you have questions about ICOSA, want to assess whether to keep your SA or convert it into another company type, or need advice to meet your tax obligations efficiently, book a consultation with our team today.