92% of taxpayers yet to file returns ahead of Nov. deadline

Wednesday, 21 October 2026 00:28 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Only about 100,000 of nearly 1.2 m registered individual taxpayers have filed since 1 July
Non-filers face fines of up to Rs. 400,000, additional assessments or up to six months’ jail
All must file, including those with no taxable income or tax already deducted

Around 91.7% of Sri Lanka’s registered individual taxpayers are yet to file income tax returns for the 2025/2026 year of assessment ahead of the November deadline, the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) said, warning of fines, additional assessments and prosecution for non-compliance.

Only about 100,000 returns have been filed since the online facility opened on 1 July, out of nearly 1.2 million registered taxpayers, leaving nearly 1.1 million outstanding, IRD Deputy Commissioner General J.M.S.S. Rathnawardene told a press conference on Monday (19). The low number may be due to a lack of awareness or the assumption that there is still plenty of time, he said, urging taxpayers not to wait until the last minute.

Everyone registered must file, including those with no taxable income and those whose tax has already been deducted from salaries or interest income, Rathnawardene said. Those who fail to do so may be fined up to Rs. 400,000, and the Commissioner General may issue an additional assessment or initiate legal proceedings. A person convicted by a Magistrate’s Court could be jailed for up to six months.

Returns must be filed online through the IRD’s Revenue Administration Management Information System (RAMIS), IRD Commissioner General Nandana Kumara said. Taxpayers need a password or one-time password (OTP), which can be requested through ‘Access to e-Services’ on ird.gov.lk. If a taxpayer’s email address has not been updated, the password can be sent by post, or taxpayers can email [email protected] with a scanned National Identity Card and a written request to update it.

Those whose income is limited to salaries and interest can use a simplified return, which is mostly auto-filled, while those with business income must file the standard return. Kumara said taxpayers should ensure they receive the acknowledgement issued on successful submission, as it confirms the return was filed on time.

IRD officers at the head office and regional offices will assist taxpayers free of charge, IRD Deputy Commissioner General Dr. Nadee Dissanayake said. Guidance is available at the Advisory and Promotion Unit on the second floor of the head office, and through instructional videos on the IRD’s YouTube channel and Facebook page. Technical help is available through the call centre on 1944, though delays are possible due to limited staff.