When will VAT refunds be due in May 2025?

The VAT Refund program seeks to compensate and improve the purchasing power of the country's most vulnerable families. This is because the vast majority of products and services in Colombia are taxed, representing a significant burden for lower-income households. When will the May payments be made?

Despite budget cuts by the government and the Department for Social Prosperity (DPS), the VAT Refund remains active in 2025. The program continues to operate as a financial aid targeting households living in extreme and moderate poverty, prioritizing groups A and B of Sisbén IV.

Regarding payments, the first payment cycle began on May 7 for bank-connected households and began on May 13 for transfers nationwide. It's important to remember that while cash transfers were already made in February and March, they are equivalent to the last payment cycle of the previous year.

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How to claim a VAT refund in Colombia?

A few days ago, Prosperidad Social announced important news for beneficiaries. Banco Agrario was designated as the official operator in charge of delivering the program's aid, ensuring that payments are personal and cannot be collected by third parties.

For those with bank account coverage, payment is deposited directly into the account registered with Banco Agrario. If you don't have a bank account, the transfer can be made by presenting your ID at a Banco Agrario branch.

This institution was chosen because it has a presence throughout the country with 793 offices, of which it is the only financial institution available in 471 municipalities. It also has 140 extended offices or service modules called "Banco Agrario Más Cerca" (Closer Agricultural Bank), which facilitate the delivery of funds in rural and other hard-to-reach areas.

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How do I know if I qualify for a VAT refund?

To check if you are eligible for assistance from this program, follow these steps:

▪️Go to the program's official website at https://devolucioniva.prosperidadsocial.gov.co/.

▪️Click the button that says "Check here if your household is a beneficiary" or "beneficiary households." ▪️Select your document type, enter your ID number, and date of birth. ▪️Complete the security verification requested by the system. ▪️The system will immediately tell you if your household is included as a beneficiary of the subsidy.