Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Sri Lanka Tax Guide, calculator estimates, tax assumptions, and how to use the website properly.
Are the calculators on Sri Lanka Tax Guide official?
No. Sri Lanka Tax Guide is not an official government website. The calculators are educational estimate tools only. They do not replace the Inland Revenue Department, Sri Lanka Customs, Provincial Revenue Departments, banks, employers, notaries, accountants, tax consultants, lawyers, or licensed importers.
Can I use these calculators to file my tax return?
You can use them as a first estimate, but not as final filing advice. Your actual tax return may depend on exemptions, reliefs, credits, losses, deductions, special income types, foreign income, capital gains, business rules, or other personal facts. Always confirm with IRD or a qualified tax professional before filing or paying.
Why can my final tax be different from the calculator result?
Your final tax may be different because tax rules, rates, thresholds, reliefs, deductions, filing treatment, and government interpretations can change. Your personal or business situation may also include details that a simple calculator cannot fully handle.
What is APIT or salary tax?
APIT means Advance Personal Income Tax. For employees, it is generally the salary tax deducted by the employer and paid to the Inland Revenue Department. The Salary Tax Calculator gives a simplified estimate of monthly salary tax and take-home salary.
What is personal relief?
Personal relief is the portion of annual income deducted before calculating normal individual income tax. The calculators use a simplified personal relief assumption based on the calculator’s stated tax year.
Does EPF reduce my income tax?
The Salary Tax Calculator uses employee EPF only to estimate take-home salary. It does not treat EPF as reducing taxable income unless the calculator specifically says so.
What income should I include in the Personal Income Tax Calculator?
You can include salary, business or self-employment profit, rental income, fixed deposit or bank interest, and other taxable income. Some income types may need special treatment, so the result should be treated as a rough estimate.
How does the Rental Income Tax Calculator work?
It estimates how rental income may affect your total annual income tax. You can use a simple rent relief method or actual expenses, depending on what applies to your situation.
What is VAT?
VAT means Value Added Tax. It is generally charged on taxable supplies by VAT-registered persons or businesses. VAT rules can include exemptions, registration thresholds, input VAT, output VAT, and filing requirements.
What is SSCL?
SSCL means Social Security Contribution Levy. It is a levy charged on certain liable turnover. The exact treatment can depend on the business type, exemptions, and applicable rules.
Can I use the VAT & SSCL Calculator to decide whether I must register?
You can use it as a basic guide only. VAT and SSCL registration can depend on turnover, type of supply, exemptions, timing, and official interpretation. Confirm with IRD or a tax professional before registering, filing, or charging customers.
What does the FD Interest Tax Calculator estimate?
It estimates fixed deposit interest, tax deducted by the bank, interest after tax, monthly interest, and possible maturity amount. Actual treatment can depend on bank policy, declarations, tax law, and your full annual income.
Can everyone avoid bank tax on fixed deposit interest?
No. Some users may be eligible to submit declarations depending on their income and tax position, but this should be confirmed with the bank and IRD. Do not rely only on the calculator.
What does the Stamp Duty Calculator estimate?
It estimates stamp duty for selected transactions such as property transfers, gifts, mortgage bonds, and lease or rent agreements. Actual stamp duty can depend on the province, document type, property value, official assessment, and legal treatment.
What does the Vehicle Import Cost Estimator do?
It gives a practical buyer-friendly estimate for imported vehicles using overseas value, exchange rate, engine capacity or electric motor power, tax estimates, VAT estimate, and possible Sri Lankan market guide range. It is not an official Customs calculation.
Why can vehicle import estimates be very different from actual dealer prices?
Vehicle prices can vary because of CIF value, exchange rate, HS code, engine category, model grade, battery capacity, customs valuation, taxes, dealer margin, registration, clearing costs, demand, stock availability, and government policy. Always ask the dealer or importer for a written full cost breakdown.
Is Sri Lanka Tax Guide responsible for decisions I make using the calculators?
No. The calculators are educational estimate tools only. You are responsible for verifying all information with the relevant authority or a qualified professional before making decisions.
How can I report an error or outdated calculator?
Please contact us through the Contact page and mention the calculator name, the issue, and any source or example you are referring to.