Compare taxes and see how much you save moving from Peru to United States
The United States has a large and growing Peruvian diaspora — over 600,000, concentrated in New Jersey (Paterson is a major hub), California (Los Angeles), Florida (Miami), and New York/Connecticut. Peruvian migration accelerated in the 1990s during Peru's economic instability and has continued due to professional migration and family reunification. USD-to-PEN remittances are a significant part of Peru's economy (over $4B annually). The PEN has depreciated moderately against the USD over the past decade, providing favorable conversion rates for Peruvians remitting from the US.
Progressive SUNAT Tax, PEN income
Peru's SUNAT (Superintendencia Nacional de Aduanas y de Administración Tributaria) taxes resident individuals on worldwide income at progressive rates: 8% (first ~PEN 26,600/year), 14% (PEN 26,601–53,200), 17% (PEN 53,201–79,800), 20% (PEN 79,801–133,000), 30% above PEN 133,000/year. Non-residents: flat 30% on Peru-source income. Social contributions: AFP (pension system) 10% of salary + insurance; EsSalud (employer health): 9% of payroll. Peru has a general sales tax (IGV) of 18%.
Federal 10–37% + State Tax, FICA
US federal income tax: 10–37% on ordinary income; 0%/15%/20% on long-term capital gains. Standard deduction: $14,600 (single) / $29,200 (MFJ) in 2024. FICA: 7.65% employee (6.2% Social Security + 1.45% Medicare). State income taxes: 0% (FL, TX, NV) to 13.3% (CA). For Peruvian-Americans in California or New York: combined federal + state can reach 50%+. US taxes citizens and residents on worldwide income; non-resident aliens on US-source income.
At $60,000 annual income:
A Peruvian-American in New Jersey earning $60,000 pays approximately 35–38% combined (federal income tax + FICA + NJ state). The equivalent Peruvian income in PEN terms would face approximately 17–20% in combined income tax and social contributions. However, US nominal wages for Peruvian-Americans are 8–15× Peruvian equivalents, and the USD/PEN rate (~3.7–3.8 PEN per USD) means US dollars convert well for supporting families in Peru.
| Income | PE Tax | US Tax | Savings | 10-Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | ~18% PE | ~30% US (federal + FICA + state) | US 12% higher | US Social Security builds retirement entitlements; Medicare provides healthcare after 65 |
| $70,000 | ~22% PE | ~34% US | US 12% higher | USD/PEN ~3.75: $10K savings = ~37,500 PEN — meaningful family support |
| $150,000 | ~28% PE | ~42% US (incl. NJ state) | US 14% higher | FBAR/FATCA reporting required for US residents with Peruvian accounts over $10K |
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File With TFX — Expert Expat CPAs →Peru taxes residents on worldwide income. A Peruvian national who has become a US tax resident (green card holder or substantial presence test) and has no longer has their domicile in Peru generally ceases to be a Peruvian tax resident. Peru defines residency as habitual domicile in Peru or being present in Peru for 183+ days in any 12-month period. Most Peruvians with US green cards or citizenship are not Peruvian tax residents. However, Peru-source income — rental property in Lima, Peruvian business income — remains subject to SUNAT taxation at 30% for non-residents. US residents with Peruvian income must declare it to the IRS and may also owe Peruvian non-resident taxes.
USD-to-PEN transfers: Wise offers competitive mid-market rates with transparent fees. Remitly and WorldRemit are popular among the Peruvian diaspora for fast transfers. Western Union and MoneyGram have extensive agent networks across Peru. Local Peruvian banks (BCP, Interbank, BBVA Peru) accept international wires. The USD/PEN rate fluctuates (approximately 3.7–3.8 PEN per USD as of early 2026) but has generally been favorable for USD senders. Peru does not charge any tax on inbound personal remittances.
Visa holders on H-1B, L-1, O-1, and most other work visas are subject to FICA withholding (Social Security and Medicare taxes). H-1B and other non-resident aliens with certain visa types are FICA-exempt in the first 2 years (F-1 and J-1 student visas are exempt; most H-1B are not). Green card holders and US citizens always pay FICA. FICA credits build toward US Social Security benefits. Peru and the US do not have a Social Security totalization agreement — Peruvian nationals who move back to Peru after working in the US can claim Social Security at US retirement age (62+ for reduced benefits, 67 for full), but Peru's AFP pension and US Social Security credits do not combine.