Santiago, Chile – Chileans are bracing for what’s being described as one of the most demanding tax seasons in recent memory. The 2026 “Operación Renta” – the country’s annual tax filing period – will bring new reporting requirements, regulatory adjustments stemming from Law 21.713, and increased scrutiny from the Servicio de Impuestos Internos (SII), the Chilean Internal Revenue Service. Experts are urging taxpayers to prepare well in advance to avoid penalties and ensure compliance. The key to navigating this year’s process? Anticipation and consistency in financial reporting, according to Claudia Valdés Muñoz, general manager of BBSC.
The SII officially set the deadlines for submitting tax returns through Resolution Exenta N°123, issued on September 25, 2025, establishing the calendar for the 2026 tax year. Further adjustments to formats, content, and instructions for various declarations were detailed in Resolutions Exentas N°104, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113 and 114, released on August 26, 2025. Notably, six new declarations (DJ 1960 to 1964) have been created, focusing on financial operations, investment funds, leasing agreements, and digital assets.
New Declarations and Increased Data Demands
A central shift in the 2026 tax filing process is the SII’s enhanced ability to cross-reference data and proactively identify inconsistencies. The new DJ 1960 to 1964 declarations are designed to capture more detailed information about financial transactions, investments, and digital assets, expanding the scope of data the SII can compare with Formulario 22 and information from third parties. This move signals a clear strategy to strengthen preventative oversight.
This isn’t simply about meeting deadlines; it’s about ensuring every data point is supported by documentation and aligns with information held by external sources. “It’s no longer enough to simply meet deadlines. Today, every piece of data must have backing and align with third parties. The SII is looking with more detail than ever before,” Valdés Muñoz stated, as reported by El Ciudadano.
Changes to Traditional Declarations
Beyond the new declarations, existing forms are also undergoing revisions. The DJ 1887 (salaries), DJ 1835 (rented properties), and DJ 1926 (Taxable Income of First Category) will all feature adjustments to their structure and content. Accounting teams will need to review internal processes and record-keeping systems to accommodate these changes. The SII held a training session for nearly one hundred tax professionals to discuss these changes and the Formulario 22, according to a statement released by the agency itself on sii.cl.
A Shift Towards Proactive Oversight
The SII’s modernization, powered by electronic invoicing, financial records, banking information, international transactions, digital platforms, and predictive models, is at the heart of this shift. The agency is now capable of reconstructing taxpayers’ financial information, anticipating returns, and identifying discrepancies with unprecedented precision. As noted in a recent article by BBSC, the focus is no longer solely on reviewing tax returns, but on anticipating them.
This new level of transparency is reshaping tax enforcement. The SII is now able to automatically identify, classify, and prioritize potential issues, rather than waiting for inconsistencies to emerge. Sectors facing closer scrutiny include professional services, the digital economy, small and medium-sized enterprises with high levels of informality, and companies that have recently undergone reorganizations. This increased attention isn’t necessarily due to suspicion, but rather because data now reveals previously hidden patterns.
Preparing for the Changes
For businesses, this environment demands a cultural shift. The tax return is becoming less of an isolated event and more the culmination of a year-long process of traceability. Consistency across income, expenses, investments, changes in net worth, and corporate decisions is now essential. Companies should proactively review their financial processes and ensure data accuracy to avoid potential issues.
To assist businesses navigate these changes, experts recommend focusing on thorough documentation, accurate record-keeping, and a proactive approach to tax planning. Understanding the new declaration requirements and adjusting internal systems accordingly will be crucial for a smooth filing process. Avoiding errors in the new declarations is particularly important, as highlighted by BioBioChile, which outlined strategies for companies to avoid errors in their filings.
The SII is also emphasizing the importance of timely filing to avoid penalties and ensure access to potential refunds. As El Mostrador reported, declaring income on time is crucial for avoiding fines and maximizing potential returns.
As the Operación Renta 2026 approaches, Chilean taxpayers are encouraged to begin their preparations now. The SII’s increased scrutiny and new reporting requirements demand a proactive and meticulous approach to tax compliance. The next key date to watch is the official start of the filing period, which will be announced by the SII in the coming months.
Have questions about the upcoming tax season? Share your thoughts and concerns in the comments below.
