The President has ratified new amendments to the following three taxation acts on 5 November 2024. These amendments have been published in the Government Gazette and are now available on MIRA's website.
1. The seventh amendment to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Act - link to Act
The seventh amendment to the GST Act stipulates that GST should be charged at 17% for toursim sector goods and services begining from 1 July 2025. The current rate of 16% for tourism sector goods and services will be in effect until the 30th of June 2025.
Further to this, beginning from 5 November 2024, goods and services sold in cafe's in tourist establishments authorized by the Ministry of Tourism, operating exclusively for the employees of such establishments will be subject GST at the rate of eight per cent.
2. The second amendment to the Airport Taxes and Fees (ATF) Act -link to Act
The second amendment to the ATF Act stipulates new rates for Departure Tax and Airport Development Fee that will come into effect on 1 December 2024. The amendment also states that registered persons may request for a refund from MIRA in respect of excess tax collected from passengers and paid to MIRA, if the amount is later paid back to the passenger.
3. The fourteenth amendment to the Maldives Tourism Act - link to Act
The fourteenth amendment to the Tourism Act stipulates new rates for charging Green Tax beginning from 1 January 2025 and specifies that children under the age of 2 years, will be exempt from Green Tax beginning from 1 January 2025.