IRD reminded taxpayers to meet October 2025 VAT deadlines to avoid penalties.
Sri Lanka’s Inland Revenue Department (IRD) issued a notice on 17 November 2025, reminding taxpayers to meet their VAT obligations for October 2025 by the prescribed deadlines.
VAT payment deadline
- VAT payments for October must be made on or before 20 November 2025.
- Tax Type Code: 70
- Period Code: 25410
- Payment Category: S
- The IRD emphasised that payments made by cheque, bank draft, or pay order will be considered late if realised after the due date. Penalties for late or non-payment will not be waived or reduced.
VAT return filing
- VAT returns for October must be furnished on or before 30 November 2025.
- Filing Frequency: Monthly
- Return Period Code: 2541
- The department warned that failure to submit returns or filing incorrect returns will attract penalties.
Input tax credit restrictions
The IRD also highlighted rules on claiming input tax credits:
- VAT on local purchases must be claimed within 12 months of the invoice date, provided the return is filed within that period.
- VAT on imports must be claimed within 24 months of the Customs Declaration date, subject to timely filing of returns.
Commissioner General of Inland Revenue reiterated that timely compliance is essential to avoid penalties and ensure eligibility for input tax credits.
