Corporate tax in Malta
The Company Tax System in Malta
Maltese companies are subject to tax on profits at 35%.
Tax is ultimately borne by shareholder depending on his tax status, since Malta’s tax system adopts a full imputation system
Effective system for relief of double taxation.
Compliant with EU law.
Maltese Corporate Vehicles
Taxed corporate vehicles
- Limited liability companies
- Plc (public)
- Ltd (private)
- Partnership en commandite the capital of which is divided into shares.
Foreign branches in Malta treated as local companies for tax purposes.
Annual audit/accounts to be IFRS compliant.
Share capital may be effected in any foreign convertible currency (company’s reporting currency).
Tax is payable in the company’s reporting currency.
Any applicable refund of tax is made in the company’s reporting currency.
Malta Tax Accounting
Profits are allocated to one of the following tax accounts depending on their source and nature:
Effective System for Relief of Double Taxation
Unilateral relief, including credit system for relief of underlying tax.
OECD – based Double Tax Treaty Network
EU Parent-Subsidiary Directive
EU Interest & Royalties Directive
Participation Exemption
Compliant with EU Law - Outline of 2007 Reform
Extension of Malta tax refund system to dividends derived by all persons from all sources with the exception of profits derived from immovable property situated in Malta.
Phasing out of the International Trading Company regime.
Extension of Malta tax refund system to the shareholders of companies having a Malta branch.
Introduction of Participation Exemption.
Tax Rulings
Procedure for formal tax rulings exists
- Provide certainty on the legal application to a specific transaction;
- Binding on Inland Revenue for 5 years;
- Survives a change in law for 2 years;
- Issued within 30 days of application.
Informal system of Revenue guidance is also possible
- In the form of a letter of guidance from Revenue;
- Not expressly regulated in terms of law;
- Creates a legitimate expectation on which the taxpayer may rely;
- Considered by the Inland Revenue Department as binding.
