The Boleto de Ornato in Quetzaltenango (Xela) is governed by Decreto 121-96 of Congress, which sets the national base rates (Q4-Q150 by income). The Municipality of Quetzaltenango handles collection operations: where to pay, exact surcharge dates, and any additional arbitrios approved in its local Plan de Arbitrios.
Summary: Rates Q4 to Q150 by monthly income (Decreto 121-96, national framework). Payment in January-February at the normal rate. Main location: Palacio Municipal de Quetzaltenango (Parque Centro America). Portal: munixela.gob.gt. The receipt is still required to take up a public post and for municipal procedures that require it.
Boleto de Ornato Rates 2026 (Decreto 121-96)
National rates apply:
| Monthly income (GTQ) | Annual Boleto de Ornato |
|---|---|
| Up to Q300 | Exempt (no payment) |
| Q300.01 - Q500 | Q4 |
| Q500.01 - Q1,000 | Q10 |
| Q1,000.01 - Q3,000 | Q15 |
| Q3,000.01 - Q6,000 | Q50 |
| Q6,000.01 - Q9,000 | Q75 |
| Q9,000.01 - Q12,000 | Q100 |
| Q12,000.01 and above | Q150 |
If you work for a formal company in Quetzaltenango, Art. 7 of Decreto 121-96 requires the employer to ask for your proof of payment and, if you do not have it, to withhold the amount from your January or, at the latest, February salary and send the municipality a list of what it withheld. If you work formally, your employer is probably already withholding it — confirm with HR before paying separately.
Payment Deadline and Surcharge in Xela
| Period | Status |
|---|---|
| January 1 - February 28 | On time, normal rate |
| After the deadline or municipal extension (no later than March 31) | 100% fine (Decreto 121-96, art. 5) |
The statutory fine is 100%, not a discretionary percentage. The council may extend payment no later than March 31 (Decreto 121-96, arts. 3 and 5). Confirm with Muni Xela whether it granted an extension for the year you are paying.
Where to Pay the Boleto de Ornato in Xela
Palacio Municipal de Quetzaltenango
- Main location: Palacio Municipal de Quetzaltenango, Parque Centro America (Xela’s historic center)
- Website: munixela.gob.gt
- Typical hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (may extend during January-February)
- Bring DPI and know your income range
The Parque Centro America is the heart of Quetzaltenango — the Palacio Municipal sits on one side of the park.
Authorized Banks
Banrural is the most common bank with a Boleto de Ornato agreement nationally, including Xela. Other system banks (Banco Industrial, G&T, BAM) may also have agreements. Ask the Muni Xela first which banks accept the payment this year.
Temporary Kiosks (January-February)
Check the official Muni Xela Facebook page or call the PBX for any temporary kiosks it announces for January and February, and their locations.
Online
Online payment availability for Boleto de Ornato in Xela varies. Confirm at munixela.gob.gt if available this year. If not, payment is in person.
Requirements to Pay the Boleto de Ornato in Xela
- Current DPI (original, not a photocopy)
- Know your monthly income range (table above)
- Previous year’s receipt (optional, speeds things up)
- Cash payment (at kiosks and the muni); banks may accept card or cash
- If you’re a foreigner: passport plus residency carnet
Why the Boleto de Ornato Matters in Xela
Article 12 of Decree 121-96 listed the procedures that required proof of payment, but the Constitutional Court struck down several of those requirements:
- Administrative or judicial procedures in general (case 1968-2020, judgment 29/06/2021).
- Passports and driver’s licenses (case 4021-2021, judgment 24/02/2022).
- License plates or stickers for vehicles owned by individuals, see vehicle registration (case 556-2022, judgment 21/03/2022).
According to a report by the Guatemala City municipality’s financial directorate (DAFIM), proof is currently required only for taking up a public office or public-sector job and for municipal procedures that require it. In Xela, check with the Muni whether it asks for it for construction licenses or municipal commercial patentes.
Where the Money Goes in Xela
Boleto de Ornato collected goes to the Muni Xela for:
- Parque Centro America maintenance and other historic center public spaces
- Municipal parks (Parque Benito Juarez, Parque a Centro America)
- Public lighting
- Street maintenance (especially in zones with historic cobblestone)
- Municipal garbage collection
- Administrative municipal services
Quetzaltenango has extensive urban zones and a historic center of heritage value — the ornato is a key revenue stream to sustain these services.
Rates and Local Arbitrios: Decreto 121-96 vs Plan de Arbitrios Xela
Decreto 121-96 of Congress sets the national legal framework. Article 239 of the Constitution reserves the creation of arbitrios to Congress; municipal autonomy does not authorize municipalities to create them on their own. The Muni Xela may have additional fees or services charged separately from the Boleto de Ornato — that’s not part of the ornato, those are separate charges. Ask at the municipal treasury office if you have doubts about any specific item.
Related Tramites
- Boleto de Ornato — national guide — Decreto 121-96 in detail.
- IUSI Quetzaltenango (Xela) — property tax in Xela.
- Boleto Ornato vs IUSI — differences.
- Quetzaltenango municipality — directory entry.
- Guatemala driver’s license — The general boleto requirement was declared unconstitutional (case 4021-2021, judgment 24/02/2022).
Data verified against the Decreto 121-96 legal framework and typical highland municipality operations (May 2026). For specific details on hours, kiosks, and online payment in Xela, contact the Municipality of Quetzaltenango directly.