SAT Targets Informal Savings with New Fines in 2026

The Tax Administration Service (SAT) announced a tightening in the supervision of informal savings methods, particularly the so-called tandas, a practice widely used in Mexico as a collective financial support mechanism. The measure marks a change in how the tax authority views personal finances and money movements between individuals.

The collection agency explained that the objective is to strengthen control over resources that are not reported to the treasury and limit the flow of undeclared money. In this context, operations conducted outside the formal system or lacking documentary support have become a priority focus of attention for the authorities.

Tandas, which function through periodic contributions from a group of people, have come under special scrutiny. According to the SAT, deposits related to these schemes that exceed 15,000 pesos and lack fiscal justification could result in fines, exhaustive reviews, and even the temporary blocking of bank accounts.

The authority notes that the growth of these practices through electronic transfers and digital deposits facilitated their detection by the financial system. By handling large amounts without verification, these operations can be interpreted as undeclared income or irregular movements, which motivated their inclusion in fiscal controls.

To avoid sanctions, the SAT recommends that participants document each operation, identify the members of the savings groups, and maintain an accurate record of amounts and dates. Compliance with these provisions aims to increase financial transparency and reduce the informal economy that remains outside the tax reach.