07/07/2025
✅🛑 Implementation of VAT on Digital Services in Sri Lanka
The Inland Revenue Department has published detailed guidelines through Gazette Notification 2443/30 dated July 1, 2025.
Gazette has recognized the following services as digital services:
✅ Cloud Computing,
✅ Software as a Service,
✅ Digital Marketing/advertising,
✅ Cyber security Services,
✅ IT Support and Managed Services,
✅ Streaming Services,
✅ Block chain & NFT Platforms,
✅ Financial Technology (FinTech),
✅ E-Commerce Services
🛑 Key Highlights
✅ Effective date
VAT on digital services will apply from October 1, 2025.
✅ Who is liable?
Services supplied by a non-resident person, to a person in Sri Lanka, through an electronic platform
✅ How to Register?
The non-resident must first obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN) before proceeding to acquire VAT registration.
✅ Registration threshold
VAT registration is required only if the value of supply in the last 12 months exceeds LKR 60 million per annum or LKR 15 million in the last 3 months
✅ Rate of VAT on Digital Services
VAT on digital services is at 18% on the value of supply
✅ How to make the VAT payment?
The non-resident is responsible for paying this VAT to the Inland Revenue Department no later than the 20th day of the month following the end of the taxable period.
✅ Requirement to file a Return?
VAT returns should be filed no later than the last day of the month following the end of the taxable period. This can be done electronically through the IRD's platform.
✅ Penalties for non-compliance?
Penalties apply for late payments. Additionally, services may be restricted, or providers may be blacklisted from offering services in Sri Lanka. The IRD can take collection measures as stipulated by law.
🛑 A Sri Lankan service recipient can claim input VAT on the VAT charged by a non-resident, provided the following conditions are met:
✅ The non-resident supplier is required to issue a valid tax invoice for the service supplied.
✅ Upon receiving this tax invoice, the Sri Lankan recipient is entitled to claim the corresponding input VAT, assuming all other statutory requirements are fulfilled.
✅ Therefore, as long as a proper tax invoice is issued by the non-resident, the Sri Lankan service recipient is eligible to claim input VAT on the transaction.