Sri Lanka?s newly elected cabinet of ministers has made refreshing changes on a number of local taxes adhering to the election campaign promises. Tax reliefs were a vital component in President Gotabaya Rajapaksa?s election policy. Hence, the following tax reforms are designed to create economic growth while giving Sri Lankan citizens a relief from tax burdens.?
- Reduction in Value Added Tax (VAT) and Nation Building Tax (NBT)
The current VAT and NBT taxes have been reduced from 17% to 8%. The current threshold for VAT is Rs. 1 million turnover per month. It was raised to 25 million turnover per month.?
- Capital Gains Tax is proposed to be removed with the advise of the Inland Revenue Department
- Value Added Tax on Condominiums is proposed to be removed with the advise of the Inland Revenue Department
- PAYE Tax (Pay as you earn) threshold has been raised to Rs. 250,000 per month
- A person?s income up to Rs. 300,000 per annum has been relieved of income tax
- Businesses engaged in tourism will be treated as an export business, if more than 60% of suppliers are sourced locally. This has been proposed to be removed with the advise of the Inland Revenue Department
- Income tax has been exempted for ? agriculture, fisheries, livestock, IT and related services and religious places. The income tax rate for the construction industry is reduced to 14% from the previous 28%.
The above changes in taxes are expected to improve short-term growth. However, it is yet unclear if they will have a positive impact in the long run since these taxes account to 30% of the government?s tax revenue. In order to see the reaction of foreign investors to these changes, it is important to keep a close eye on foreign exchange and bond markets.
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