New Govt. announces tax concession galore

27 November 2019 04:10 pm - 23 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The new caretaker government today announced a heap of tax concessions which included the annulment of Nation Building Tax (NBT), Capital Gain Tax, Withholding Tax and the reduction of VAT to 8 per cent from 15.

The proposal made by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in this regard was approved by the Cabinet of the new government which held its maiden meeting today.

Announcing the decision, Co-Cabinet Spokesperson and Minister, Dr. Bandula Gunawardana said most of the tax restructuring will come into effect from December 1.

“The proposal made by the President to revive the economy was approved today. Prime Minister and Finance Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa will see to it that laws and regulations are amended to make way for these concessions and issue necessary gazettes by December 1,” Minister Gunawardana said at the maiden Cabinet news briefing.

Accordingly, he said the Nation Building Tax, Economic Service Charge, Debit Tax on banking on financial institutions, Capital Gain Tax stock market transactions, VAT on the condominium property, Pay As You Earn Income Tax, Withholding Tax and Debt Servicing Taxes will be removed.

Minister Gunawardana said the NBT which was 2 per cent on goods and services would be removed and the 15 per cent VAT on goods and services will be cut down to 8 per cent.

“Tax-free threshold for turnover for VAT will be raised from Rs.1 million per month to Rs.25 million per month or Rs.300 million per annum to provide immediate relief especially to the small and medium sector enterprises in all sectors. The tourism industry will be treated as export for zero rates provided that 60 per cent of turnover is sourced from local suppliers. All religious places of worship will be exempted from all forms of taxes, all foreign exchange revenue will be made free from income taxes and the telecommunication tax will be reduced by 25 per cent,” he said.

The proposed tax reforms will also make the information technology service free from taxes.

Any form of monthly earning of Rs.250,000, Rs.500,000 and Rs.750,000 and above will be imposed an income tax of 6 per cent, 12 per cent and 18 per cent respectively.

PAYE taxes would be removed for earning on the all-inclusive monthly income of Rs.250,000 in place of the current ceiling of Rs.125,000 per month for all public and private sector employees with effect from January 1, 2020.

In the proposal, President Rajapaksa recommended that imports of tea, pepper, raw rubber, cinnamon and other locally made small industrial products be either placed on negative list or subject to high custom-based taxes.

The proposal also said that items which are not manufactured in any form and also beneficial for the country to have access to global sources will be made duty free. “Machinery and equipment which are not made in Sri Lanka along with advanced technology will be made duty free. Preferential rate under various trade agreements will be reviewed having regard to national interest and obligations in terms of such trade agreements,” the proposal said.

Commenting on how the government would increase its income which will go down as a result of tax concessions, Minister Gunawardana said they expect to widen the net of taxpayers so as to increase the income from direct taxes.

When asked whether the government would present a budget, the Minister said, “No! There will be no budget. There will definitely be a general election in March so we will submit another vote on account.” (Lahiru Pothmulla)

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Comments - 23

ANTON Wednesday, 27 November 2019 04:14 PM

THAT CAN BE DONE EASILY ONCE YOU REDUCE THE NUMBER OF MINISTERS AND THEIR SUBORDINATES.

Mr X Wednesday, 27 November 2019 04:18 PM

The biggest benefit of this will be felt by low income families. This is good news.

ANTON Wednesday, 27 November 2019 04:20 PM

BECAUSE NUTS REDUCED FROM 225 TO 15.

Anmanpan Wednesday, 27 November 2019 04:36 PM

Thanks and no thanks. We hope the loss of vat revenue will not be bridged by loan.

Karu Wednesday, 27 November 2019 04:55 PM

Wow. Early Christmas. Let's party

Mueez Wednesday, 27 November 2019 04:56 PM

This is absolutely good news for all Sri Lankans. Importers really struggled with the VAT rate for so many years. Your Excellency please make sure that slashed 7% won"t appear in another form.

Arnold Wednesday, 27 November 2019 04:57 PM

There is no such thing called free lunch. We will be made to pay more eventually.

GR Wednesday, 27 November 2019 04:59 PM

What a relief. hope the NBT and CESS will also be reduced

Leo Wednesday, 27 November 2019 05:08 PM

Gota is a man who keeps his promises. Only concern is the incompetent ministers.

Hornet Wednesday, 27 November 2019 05:14 PM

What for how long?

chris Wednesday, 27 November 2019 05:29 PM

Amazing. Please do not recover via other means such as a fuel price hike or other indirect taxes. keep people happy when india screws up change the rates after General election will be a short lived strategy

Don Carolis Wednesday, 27 November 2019 05:31 PM

Stupid masses will fall for this before general election, crazy country, with mad people.

Citizen Wednesday, 27 November 2019 05:50 PM

Advance goodies from Santa until the General Elections... No economic policies due to lack of knowledge

udaya Wednesday, 27 November 2019 05:52 PM

Give concession to promote local production industries

No Name Wednesday, 27 November 2019 05:54 PM

Good move.

Anmanpan Wednesday, 27 November 2019 05:58 PM

Good! This implies that Sri Lanka is not in a financial crisis when the last government left.

DIhan Wednesday, 27 November 2019 06:01 PM

Good move and that’s a relief

Pathy Wednesday, 27 November 2019 06:13 PM

Fantastic news! Much appreciated

Labby Wednesday, 27 November 2019 06:15 PM

For how long ?

Wasp Thursday, 28 November 2019 06:17 AM

Cool breeze before cyclone Gota!!!

Roshanaly Thursday, 28 November 2019 06:46 AM

Give dead line to pay all the tax which are due and waive off the penalty if paid before the given dead line.

Yehiya Thursday, 28 November 2019 08:23 AM

Good news to all. But scientifically must show the recovery of revenues. Otherwise temporally gimmick

nad Thursday, 28 November 2019 12:54 PM

For how long? Until general elections? Hope so

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New Govt. announces tax concession galore

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