Take a Deep Dive into Malta's Taxation System

Malta enables married couples to file a joint tax computation whereby their partners’ incomes are aggregated, and tax on the global income is calculated.   

The tax rates for married couples are: 

Individuals are subject to tax on income arising in a calendar year (the basis year). Such income is assessed by tax in the year following the year in which it occurs (i.e. the year of assessment).   

For example, the income for the year ending 31 December 2022 is assessable to income tax in 2023. Tax on employment income is paid under the FSS system, whereby the employer deducts tax payments from wages paid to the employee.   

Income from any trade or business will be subject to tax after deducting those business expenses which are wholly and exclusively incurred in the production of the income.   

In the context of employment income, expenses are deductible only to the extent that they are wholly, exclusively and necessarily incurred in the performance of the duties of the employment or office. Fringe benefits payable to employees are taxable together with other employment income.   

Concerning dividends, in general, Malta operates a full imputation system under which dividends paid by a resident company carry a tax credit equivalent to the tax paid by the company on its profits.   

Shareholders are taxed on the gross dividend at the applicable tax rates but are entitled to deduct the tax credit attached to the dividend against their total income tax liability. This tax may be treated as a final tax at the taxpayer’s option.   

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A company which is a resident of Malta pays tax at the corporate tax rate of 35%   

A company incorporated in Malta is considered both resident and domiciled in Malta and therefore taxable on a worldwide basis on its income and certain capital gains. On the other hand, a company incorporated outside Malta but managed and controlled in Malta would only be considered as resident in Malta (‘Non-Domiciled Company). Accordingly, such a company will only be taxable in Malta:  

• On all chargeable income earned in or derived from Malta;   
• On all chargeable gains realised in Malta; and   
• On all chargeable income arising outside Malta to the extent that such income is remitted to Malta.   

Upon receipt of dividend distribution and if certain conditions are satisfied, the shareholders of the Maltese company may be entitled to claim a refund of Maltese tax attached to such dividend distribution. This may have the effect of significantly reducing the effective tax charged in Malta. 

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A Malta company, in receipt of dividends from a participating holding in a non-resident entity other than a property company, may, at its option:   

Apply a participation exemption such that the dividend income would be exempt from tax in Malta; or   

Opt to pay the tax at 35%, and the shareholder will be eligible for a 100% refund of tax upon receipt of a dividend.   

The same options would be available concerning capital gains or other profits derived from the transfer by a Malta company of a participating holding in either a resident or a non-resident entity which is not a property company.   

The Malta company is deemed to have a participating holding in an entity if it holds at least 5% of the equity shares in that entity, or it made a minimum equity share investment representing a total value of €1,164,000 and held the same for an uninterrupted period of not less than 183 days.   

Equity shares are shares which entitle the holder to any two of the following rights:   

(i) Voting rights;   

(ii) Dividend rights; and   

(iii) An entitlement to assets available for distribution in the event of a winding-up.   

In the case of dividend income, the holding would also need to satisfy the below conditions:  

1. It is resident or incorporated in an EU country or territory;   
2. Is subject to any foreign tax at a rate of at least 15%; or   
3. Derives less than 50% of its income from passive interest or royalties.   
4. It is not a portfolio investment and has been subject to at least 5% tax.  

Tax Incentives in Malta

Withholding Taxes  

Malta does not levy withholding taxes on outbound dividends, interest or royalty payments. In addition, capital gains arising on the transfer of shares in Malta companies by non-residents are exempt from Maltese tax.  

Duty on Documents Exemption  

Companies with more than 90% of their business interest outside Malta and owned by non-resident shareholders may apply for duty on documents exemption. This means that no stamp duty is levied on the transfer of shares on any new non-resident buyers of the shares.  

A company holding a certification of this exemption may also benefit from certain tax compliance advantages.  

The income tax year is the calendar year (year of assessment). Corporate profits are assessable based on the immediately preceding accounting year (basis year). For example, the profits of the year ending on 31 December 2021 (basis year) are assessable to income tax in 2022 (year of assessment).   

A company with a December financial year end typically must file its annual tax declaration within nine (9) months for its year-end. A two (month) extension is applicable for electronic filings.  

A company would typically need to pay its tax liability within nine months for the company year-end unless it is in a position of duty on documents exemption, in which case, the tax payment would be allowed up to 18 months after the company’s year-end.  

After the second year of operation, the company would typically be required to pay provisional tax payments in three instalments throughout the year in advance of its tax liability for the year.