Malawi
Overview
Last reviewed - 17 September 2024Malawi, a landlocked country in Southeast Africa, is bordered by Zambia to the northwest, Tanzania to the northeast, Lake Malawi to the east, and Mozambique to the east, south, and west. Malawi gained independence in 1964 and has a multiparty, democratic government. It is divided into 28 districts, with Lilongwe as the capital. The official languages of Malawi are English and Chichewa, and the currency is the kwacha (MWK).
Malawi ranks among the world's most densely populated countries. The economy is predominately agricultural, with about 80% of the population living in rural areas. Agriculture accounts for more than one-third of gross domestic product (GDP) and 90% of export revenues. The performance of the tobacco sector is the key to short-term growth, as tobacco accounts for more than half of exports.
PwC Malawi supports clients with the local knowledge and skills of its people and with access to a broad range of other professionals across the PwC global network of firms. Our advice covers all aspects of Southern African direct taxes, indirect taxes, and exchange control regulations. Our experienced team of advisers can assist with managing tax risk and controlling and minimising tax burden by providing innovative and practical tax and business solutions in the areas of corporate, international, and indirect taxes, as well as human resource services.
Quick rates and dates
Corporate income tax (CIT) rates | |
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Headline CIT rate (%) |
30 |
Corporate income tax (CIT) due dates | |
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CIT return due date |
Within 180 days after the end of the financial year. |
CIT final payment due date |
Upon submission of an income tax return (i.e. within 180 days after the end of the financial year). |
CIT estimated payment due dates |
CIT estimated payments are due quarterly and payable by the 25th day of the month following the end of the quarter. |
Personal income tax (PIT) rates | |
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Headline PIT rate (%) |
Residents: 35; Non-residents: 15 |
Personal income tax (PIT) due dates | |
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PIT return due date |
Within 180 days after the end of the financial year. |
PIT final payment due date |
Within 180 days after the end of the financial year. |
PIT estimated payment due dates |
PAYE is payable on a monthly basis. For business income, provisional tax is paid on a quarterly basis. |
Value-added tax (VAT) rates | |
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Standard VAT rate (%) |
16.5 |
Withholding tax (WHT) rates | |
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WHT rates (%) (Dividends/Interest/Royalties) |
Resident: 10 / 20 / 20; Non-resident: 15 / 15 / 15 |
Capital gains tax (CGT) rates | |
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Headline corporate capital gains tax rate (%) |
Capital gains are subject to the normal corporate rate. |
Headline individual capital gains tax rate (%) |
Capital gains are subject to the normal PIT rate. |
Net wealth/worth tax rates | |
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Headline net wealth/worth tax rate (%) |
NA |
Inheritance and gift tax rates | |
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Headline inheritance tax rate (%) |
NP |
Headline gift tax rate (%) |
NP |