Tax Free Income
Foreign income PAYE/APIT tax exemptions from IRD of Sri Lanka
At RemoteJobsInAsia.com, we're committed to helping you make the most of your
remote work opportunity with UK and European companies. Our tax optimization strategy ensures you benefit from Sri Lanka's favorable tax regulations for foreign income while managing your local obligations efficiently.
Understanding Sri Lanka's Tax Regulations
Foreign Income Tax Exemption
As of 2024, Sri Lanka offers a significant tax advantage for remote workers:
Foreign earnings are tax-free: Income earned directly from foreign sources is exempt from personal income tax in Sri Lanka.
Local Income Tax (PAYE)
For income earned within Sri Lanka, the following tax structure applies:
- Tax is payable on annual earnings exceeding LKR 1,200,000
- Tax rates are progressive, ranging from 6% to 36%, depending on the income
bracket
Annual Income (LKR)Tax RateFirst 500,0006%Next 500,00012%Next
500,00018%Next 500,00024%Next 500,00030%Remaining36%
Annual Income (LKR)Tax RateFirst 500,0006%Next 500,00012%Next
500,00018%Next 500,00024%Next 500,00030%Remaining36%
EPF (Employees' Provident Fund) and ETF (Employees' Trust Fund) Contributions
- Employees contribute 8% of their gross salary to EPF
- Employers contribute an additional 12% to EPF
Tax free income 2 - Employers also contribute 3% to ETF
- Neither the employer’s EPF contribution nor the ETF contribution affects your
take-home pay
How RemoteJobsInAsia.com Helps You Optimize Your Earnings
We offer a unique strategy to help you make the most of both local tax regulations and foreign income opportunities:
1. Salary Structure Optimization
- A portion of your salary is paid into a local Sri Lankan account
- This covers your living expenses in Sri Lanka
- It’s structured to minimize local tax impact and ensure EPF contributions
- The remainder is paid directly by your foreign employer to either:
- A foreign currency account at any Sri Lankan bank, or
- A Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) account at any Sri Lankan bank
- This portion remains tax-free under current Sri Lankan regulations, regardless of the receiving account’s currency
- 8% of your local salary goes to your EPF account
- Your employer contributes an additional 12% to EPF
- Your employer also contributes 3% to ETF
- This ensures you’re building towards your retirement and receiving additional benefits while working remotely Tax free income
- Local salary (subject to PAYE tax and EPF, but keeping you in lower tax brackets)
- Foreign direct payments (tax-free)
Real-Life Example
Let’s consider a realistic scenario to illustrate how our tax optimization strategy works: Samantha, a software developer from Colombo, secured a remote position with a UK-based tech startup through RemoteJobsInAsia.com. Her total monthly salary is US$ 1500 (approximately LKR 480,000 as of 2024). Here’s how we helped Samantha optimize her salary structure:- Local Salary Component:
- US$ 400 per month (approx. LKR 128,000) paid into her Sri Lankan LKR account
- This amount is subject to local income tax and EPF contributions
- It covers her local living expenses
- Foreign Direct Payment:
-
- US$ 1100 per month (approx. LKR 352,000) paid directly to her choice of:
-
- a) A USD account at a Sri Lankan bank, or
- b) Her existing LKR account at a Sri Lankan bank
-
- This portion is tax-free under current Sri Lankan regulations
Calculation Breakdown
Local Salary Component (Monthly):- Gross Local Salary: LKR 128,000
- Tax free income 4 Employee EPF Contribution (8%): LKR 10,240
- Taxable Income: LKR 117,760
PAYE Tax Calculation:
- First 500,000: 6% of 336,000 = LKR 20,160
- Local Gross: LKR 128,000
- Employee EPF Deduction: LKR 10,240
- PAYE Tax: LKR 1,680
- Local Net: LKR 116,080
- Employer EPF Contribution (12%): LKR 15,360
- Employer ETF Contribution (3%): LKR 3,840
The Benefits:
- Only LKR 336,000 of annual income is subject to PAYE tax
- LKR 4,224,000 (foreign component) is completely tax-free
- Samantha contributes LKR 10,240 monthly to her EPF
- Her employer contributes an additional LKR 15,360 monthly to EPF
- Her employer also contributes LKR 3,840 monthly to ETF
- Total monthly retirement benefit: LKR 29,440
- Without this optimization, if all US$ 1500 were paid locally, Samantha would face higher tax rates on a significant portion of her income
- With our strategy, she keeps 97.5% of her total income after tax and EPF contributions
- She also receives additional employer contributions worth 15% of her local salary
Tax Optimization:
- Only LKR 336,000 of annual income is subject to PAYE tax
- LKR 4,224,000 (foreign component) is completely tax-free
EPF and ETF Benefits:
- Samantha contributes LKR 10,240 monthly to her EPF
- Her employer contributes an additional LKR 15,360 monthly to EPF
- Her employer also contributes LKR 3,840 monthly to ETF
- Total monthly retirement benefit: LKR 29,440
Maximized Earnings:
- Without this optimization, if all US$ 1500 were paid locally, Samantha would face higher tax rates on a significant portion of her income
- With our strategy, she keeps 97.5% of her total income after tax and EPF contributions
- She also receives additional employer contributions worth 15% of her local salary
Get Started
To take advantage of our tax optimization services:
- Create an account on RemoteJobsInAsia.com
- During your job application process, mention your interest in tax optimization
- Once you receive a job offer, our tax experts will contact you to create a customized plan
- We’ll work with you and your new employer to implement the optimal salary structure
At RemoteJobsInAsia.com, we’re committed to not just finding you a great job, but helping you make the most of your earnings. Let us help you navigate the world of international remote work and tax optimization