Sri Lanka vs China
Tax Rate Comparison
Enter your income below for a personal tax estimate, then scroll down for full rate breakdowns.
๐ฐ Personal Income Tax Calculator
Enter your income to see your estimated annual tax liability in each country โ side by side.
๐ฑ๐ฐ Sri Lanka โ Provincial & Local Authority Taxes
Sri Lanka's 9 provincial councils have some tax powers including turnover tax, certain business taxes, and stamp duties within their provinces. Local authorities (municipal councils, urban councils, pradeshiya sabhas) levy property tax (Assessment rate) at 25% of annual value and various service fees. The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) administers national taxes. Sri Lanka went through a severe debt crisis in 2022โ23; significant IMF-backed tax reforms dramatically raised income tax rates and broadened the tax base.
๐จ๐ณ China โ Provincial, Municipal & Surcharge Taxes
China's 34 provincial-level regions vary in social insurance rates (employer contributions: ~16โ23% depending on province). Cities impose Urban Maintenance & Construction Tax (1โ7% of VAT paid). Education surcharges add 3โ5%. Local governments levy land use taxes by city tier. Free Trade Zones often have preferential 15% corporate rates.
Sri Lanka vs China: Key Tax Differences (2026)
๐ฐ Income Tax: ๐จ๐ณ China has a higher top income tax rate (6โ36% vs 3โ45%). ๐ฑ๐ฐ Sri Lanka is more favourable for high earners.
๐ VAT/Sales Tax: Sri Lanka has a higher consumption tax (18% vs 6โ13%).
๐ข Corporate Tax: ๐จ๐ณ China offers a lower corporate rate (25% vs 30%), which can influence business location decisions.
๐ Capital Gains: ๐ฑ๐ฐ Sri Lanka taxes investment gains at a lower rate (10% vs 20%), benefiting investors.