Tax words
The official words you see on forms, explained simply.
- TINTaxpayer Identification Number
- Your tax ID number from IRD. Having one does not mean you must pay tax.
- PINe-Services PIN
- Secret number to log in to IRD e-Services. Never share it.
- APITAdvance Personal Income Tax
- Tax your employer deducts from your salary every month.
- AIT / WHTAdvance Income Tax / Withholding Tax
- Tax cut at source by a bank or payer, e.g. 10% on interest.
- Y/AYear of assessment
- The tax year: 1 April to 31 March.
- ReturnIncome tax return
- Yearly form to declare your income. Due 30 November.
- Personal relief
- Tax-free amount: Rs. 1,800,000 a year.
- Taxable income
- Income left after reliefs; tax is calculated on this.
- Instalment
- Quarterly advance payments of income tax.
- T-10APIT certificate
- Certificate from your employer showing your yearly salary and tax deducted.
- VATValue Added Tax
- 18% tax added to prices by VAT-registered businesses.
- SSCLSocial Security Contribution Levy
- 2.5% levy on the turnover of larger businesses.
- CGTCapital gains tax
- Tax on profit when you sell land, shares etc. 15% for individuals from 3 June 2026.
- TRCTax Residency Certificate
- Certificate proving you are a Sri Lankan tax resident.
- Self-declaration
- Form you give your bank so it does not cut 10% from interest when your income is Rs. 1,800,000 or less.
- DINDocument Identification Number
- Reference number used when paying tax, so the payment reaches the right account.
- e-Services
- IRD's online system to register, file and pay.
