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Tax & Customs

How to File and Pay Taxes with Malawi Revenue Authority

updated on : Monday, 5 Oct, 2026 · 2 min read · from 6 official sources

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Table of contents
  • You can file tax returns and make payments using Msonkho Online and e-payment systems410
  • The Malawi Revenue Authority collects income taxes including PAYE, Provisional Tax, Fringe Benefit Tax and Withholding Tax from individuals and corporations7
  • If you have residential rental income, you must file a quarterly rental income tax return showing your gross rental income and tax payable1
  • Withholding tax is not final; you can claim a refund or pay additional tax when you file your return if tax has been overpaid or underpaid3

The Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) is the government agency responsible for collecting taxes. You can file your tax returns and pay taxes through online systems, and the types of income tax collected include PAYE, Provisional Tax, Fringe Benefit Tax and Withholding Tax.711

How to file and pay

  • You can file tax returns and make payments using Msonkho Online and e-payment systems4
  • If you have residential rental income, you must complete a quarterly rental income tax return that shows the number of properties, gross rental income, credits (including withholding and provisional tax), and the tax payable1
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Illustrative photo by https://kaboompics.com/ on Pexels

Understanding withholding tax

  • Withholding tax is deducted from certain types of income at rates ranging from 3% to 20% depending on the income type3
  • Withholding tax is not a final tax; after you file your tax return, you can claim a refund if too much tax was withheld or pay additional tax if too little was withheld3

Where MRA operates

  • The Malawi Revenue Authority has over 30 stations spread across the country7

Official sources

  1. 1785218593 QUARTERLY RENTAL INCOME TAX RETURN FOR RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES mra.mw · PDF
  2. Domestic Revenue Mobilization Strategy 2021 2026 finance.gov.mw · PDF
  3. ITA PROSPECTUS - 2 mra.mw · PDF
  4. about mra.mw
  5. ITA SHORT COURSES 2024 mra.mw · PDF
  6. 1787583470 MRA Corporate Strategic Plan 2026 31 mra.mw · PDF

Every fact in this guide comes from these official Government of Malawi pages, numbered to match. Fees, dates and rules change: confirm on the official site before you go. Spotted an error? Tell us.

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