Africa · Tax guide
Malawi
Malawi taxes company profits at 30% and charges VAT at 16.5% once turnover passes MK 25,000,000. Sales are recorded on electronic fiscal devices, and taxes are administered by the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA).
At a glance
- Corporate income tax
- 30%
- VAT
- 16.5%
- VAT registration
- MK 25,000,000
- Withholding on payments abroad
- 15%
Resident companies
Standard rate
Annual turnover
Before treaty relief
Corporate income tax
Companies pay 30%, with provisional tax paid quarterly and the annual return due within six months of the year-end. Small businesses can use presumptive or turnover tax.
VAT and EFDs
VAT is 16.5%. Registration is required once annual turnover exceeds MK 25,000,000. Returns are due by the 25th of the following month, and sales are recorded on electronic fiscal devices (EFDs).
Payments abroad
Payments to non-residents carry 15% withholding unless a treaty lowers it.
Key dates
- By the 25th of each monthVAT return
- QuarterlyProvisional tax
- Within six months of the year-endAnnual income tax return
Figures and sources
4 figures- Corporate income tax rate30%Under professional review
- VAT rate16.5%Under professional review
- Annual turnover above which VAT registration is requiredMK 25,000,000Under professional review
- Withholding on payments to non-residents15%Under professional review
Indicative only. This assessment is a high-level overview of tax obligations in Malawi based on the information you provided and rules in force for 2026. It is not tax or legal advice. Consult a qualified tax adviser in Malawi (a Malawian tax adviser) before making compliance decisions.