Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka VAT Payment and Return Filing for September 2026

The IRD published a notice on 15 October 2026 outlining the procedures for making Value Added Tax (VAT) payments and furnishing VAT returns for the month of September 2026. Under the VAT Act, registered persons with a taxable turnover exceeding the threshold must file monthly returns and remit the net tax liability by the last day of the following month. The standard VAT rate remains at 18% for most taxable supplies.

Key Takeaways

  • Payment and Filing Deadline: The VAT payment and return for September 2026 are due on or before 31 October 2026. The notice emphasizes that both payment and return submission must be completed via the IRD e-Services portal to be considered valid.
  • Electronic Invoicing Integration: Taxpayers using the mandated electronic invoicing system must ensure all B2B and B2G invoices are reported in real-time. The VAT return auto-populates from the e-invoicing data, reducing manual errors but requiring accurate underlying data entry.
  • Adjustment and Credit Mechanisms: The notice provides guidance on claiming input tax credits for the period, including adjustments for bad debt relief, credit notes, and debit notes. Taxpayers must retain supporting documentation for at least six years for audit purposes.

Disclaimer: This article is compiled and summarized by the AI based on publicly available information and is for general information purposes only. It does not constitute any form of formal tax advice, legal opinion, or basis for performance. Please consult a qualified professional tax advisor or legal counsel for tax advice.

Source: Read Official Announcement