Malawi vs Laos
Tax Rate Comparison
Enter your income below for a personal tax estimate, then scroll down for full rate breakdowns.
💰 Personal Income Tax Calculator
Enter your income to see your estimated annual tax liability in each country — side by side.
Individual Income Tax (Top Marginal Rate)
VAT / GST / Sales Tax
Corporate Tax Rate
Capital Gains Tax
Social Security & Payroll
🇲🇼 Malawi — District & City Councils
Malawi's 28 district councils and city/town assemblies levy property rates, trading licences, and local service charges. The Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) administers national taxes. Malawi is landlocked and one of the world's poorest countries — highly dependent on tobacco exports (declining due to health campaigns), tea, and sugar, plus significant international aid. An IMF Extended Credit Facility has been supporting fiscal consolidation. The kwacha has experienced significant depreciation, complicating tax bracket real values over time.
🇱🇦 Laos — Provincial & District Taxes
Laos's 18 provinces and Vientiane Capital have provincial tax departments that administer national taxes locally, with some authority over land and building taxes. The Tax Department under the Ministry of Finance sets all national rates. Provincial governments retain a share of collected taxes for local expenditure. Laos has significant hydropower, mining (potash, gold), and tourism revenues. The country has faced severe debt difficulties since 2022 and is in debt restructuring with Chinese creditors. A VAT was introduced in 2010.
Malawi vs Laos: Key Tax Differences (2026)
💰 Income Tax: 🇲🇼 Malawi has a higher top income tax rate (0–35% vs 0–24%). 🇱🇦 Laos is more favourable for high earners.
🛒 VAT/Sales Tax: Malawi has a higher consumption tax (16.5% vs 10%).
🏢 Corporate Tax: 🇱🇦 Laos offers a lower corporate rate (20% vs 30%), which can influence business location decisions.
📈 Capital Gains: 🇱🇦 Laos taxes investment gains at a lower rate (10% vs 30%), benefiting investors.