naturegirl wrote:But there inlays the problem. Do you think that people on tourist visa, who legally can't work, would pay taxes, therefore admitting that they're working?
My point wasn't about getting tourists to admit anything, just making it much more difficult to work (and skip taxes) on a tourist visa.
It doesn't make sense to chase tourists for taxes because there are too many of them and only a small % who are actually working. There are increasing numbers of people who have enough unearned income to live some months in other countries. Including many in their 40s and even 30s.
Restricting tourists to 180 days a year would not affect any real tourists but make life much more difficult for those living year round and working in Peru. Their easiest option will then be to get a differrent visa and present themselves for scrutiny.
In my experience so far, Peru gets this more right than other nations. The rules for tourists still allow those with foreign investment income to stay long periods in Peru. The border people who question you want to know where your income comes from. If they are happy with the explanation, you can use the generous system. Hoping that means they will give me 180 days next time.
Other countries have slowly increased restrictions on tourist visas when what they actually wanted was to catch people working (teachers) without any proper paperwork. But they then make life more difficuly for those with foreign income who just live some months in that country. This doesn't make sense.
naturegirl wrote:And worldwide income is really hard to track.
Well this is a point constantly made on this board. I think it's undesirable to say it without always adding that evading tax is a crime that can land you in jail. Regardless of whether you agree with that or not. It's just not kind to suggest to people that they can do things that will get them in deep poop.
Anyway, yes hard to track but not impossible and getting easier as time goes by.
I think it is more interesting fact for people who have a second additional income which they choose to (illegally) evade paying the Peruvian tax on. It's a personal choice whether you want to live this way or not. There are many countries where tax evasion can land you in jail.
For those who don't work in Peru but have foreign income, the much more intersting option is (legal) avoidance. I.e. finding out what the rules are and staying within them. If you only want to stay part of the year in Peru, the easiest way is never exceed 180 days in a year. No risk of jail that way.
Website thats been mentioned here before about that is
www.offshoreharry.com
Anyway sorry sorry for taking this thread in another direction.
Anyone have experience of the new stamps in the airport - especially if you get 180 days, please tell.
Also anyone know if the fine for overstay system has stayed the same (assuming they don't give you 180 days) that would be great to know too.