After several meetings between the Maltese and British plenipotentiaries, the Double taxation agreement between the two countries was finally concluded and it came into effect on the 27th of March 1995. Their goal was to provide double taxation relief and make business easier between Maltese and British nationals.
Malta first agreed on a double taxation agreement with the USA in 1980 but due to changes in their tax model, the deal could not last through 1997 after their collaborator pulled out. Almost a decade later, the two signed yet another pact in 2006 which this time was framed based on the US tax model. This deal went into effect the following year although it was subject to further improvements which came in 2010. Of more significance was the facilitation for fighting tax evasion that made the greater worth for this change.
The government of Malta has been working diligently to improve international business with various states around the world. One of these nations is Ireland. Ireland’s participation in business with Malta has proved fruitful for both states. One of the most prominent cooperations between the two nations is the Malta-Ireland double taxation agreement. The goal of this agreement is to eliminate the double taxation of businesses operating in both countries. Due to the double tax system, a lot of foreign investors are finding interest in opening businesses in Malta.
The Maltese government greatly supports the business sector in Malta and one of its primary goals is to create a more convenient atmosphere for both local and international businesses. In order to moderate one of the barriers which deter the growth of international companies, Malta strongly leverages the double taxation system. This move has proved rewarding to both Malta and foreign investors who have taken a keen interest in doing business with Malta. Over 70 DT agreements have been signed so far with more than 60 of them already into effect.
Registering for tax in Malta is no different from other countries and it actually comes with a number of benefits. Every business operating in Malta is mandated to register for tax with the Department of Inland Revenue in Malta in order to legally operate on the market. To be recognized as a taxpayer, you should obtain a Maltese PE number, which is also issued out by the department of inland revenue. This will allow you to legally retain and pay taxes for both your company and for your employees.
Malta’s taxation system is closely similar to that of Great Britain but there are some slight variations when it comes to aspects like the dividend tax. The government's strategy on dividend tax affects local companies and foreign businesses differently. Dividend tax is imposed on locals (domicile and tenant) companies — they are obligated to pay their taxes on returns from capital gains and other forms of income.
