Key Tax Administration Measures from the Finance Bill 2025

Written on 08/11/2025
Profmark Team

  1. Assessment Period:
    • MRA's power to issue tax assessments limited to 2 years, except in exceptional circumstances. ​
  2. Penalty and Interest Caps:
    • Penalties and interest capped at 100% of the tax amount due. ​
  3. Settlement Schemes:
    • Tax Arrears Settlement Scheme (TASS): Full waiver of penalties and interest for tax arrears as of 30 June 2025, if paid by 31 March 2026. ​
    • Tax Dispute Settlement Scheme (TDSS): Waiver of penalties and interest for cases under litigation, provided tax is paid by 31 March 2026. ​
    • Voluntary Disclosure Settlement Scheme (VDSS): Waiver of penalties and interest for undeclared or under-declared income, available until 31 March 2026. ​
  4. Tax Agent Registration:
    • Tax agents must register with the MRA to act for clients, with registration valid for 5 years. ​
  5. Foreign Currency Tax Payments:
    • Companies earning over 50% of gross income in foreign currency must pay tax in that currency. ​
  6. VAT Penalties:
    • Interest on erroneous VAT refunds reduced to 0.25%. ​
    • Serious VAT breaches can result in fines up to Rs1 million and imprisonment. ​
  7. Fair Share Contribution:
    • Companies liable for Fair Share Contribution must file quarterly statements and pay corresponding contributions. ​
  8. VAT for Pleasure Craft Operators:
    • Mandatory VAT registration for holders of Pleasure Craft Licences. ​
  9. Deferred VAT Scheme:
    • No upfront VAT payment required for capital goods valued at Rs500,000 or more.

These measures aim to streamline tax administration, enhance compliance, and introduce stricter penalties for violations. ​