Accounting and Tax in Malta

Accounting and tax in Malta are essential factors in ensuring tax and legal compliance and optimising the financial management of any company established in this country.

Malta offers a competitive tax environment, access to the European market and a range of tax optimisation opportunities within the limits of European legislation.

However, to benefit from these advantages, it is essential to understand and comply with the applicable accounting and tax obligations.

We know how.

Do you need specialist support with accounting and tax in Malta?

You can count on our experience in supporting companies and investors at every stage of the process.

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What does our accounting and tax service in Malta include?

NEWCO’s accounting and tax service in Malta includes:

Accounting and tax advice;
Issuing invoices and receipts;
Classification, posting, system integration and allocation of entries;
Reconciliation of bank and third-party accounts;
Document archiving;
Submission of VAT returns (monthly or quarterly);
Compliance with reporting obligations;
Preparation of balance sheets and accounting reports;
Monitoring of accounts, inventories and fixed assets;
Support in the event of an audit;
Preparation of tax payment documents;
Calculation of payments on account;
Accounting and tax year-end closing;
Comprehensive payroll processing service.

The scope of the service is tailored to your company’s specific needs, avoiding generic solutions or those ill-suited to your business's realities.

Who needs to hire a certified accountant in Malta?

Any company established in Malta must ensure it complies with its accounting, tax and reporting obligations.

Accounting and tax services in Malta are particularly important for:

Entrepreneurs wishing to set up a company in Malta;

International companies operating in the Maltese market;

Holding companies and investment structures;

International trading and service provision companies;

Digital businesses, start-ups and technology companies;

Foreign investors seeking to optimise their tax structure in a legal and transparent manner.

With the support of a local specialist such as NEWCO, it is possible to reduce the risks of non-compliance, avoid penalties and benefit from the incentives provided for under Maltese law.

Simplify your company’s accounting in Malta

Count on NEWCO’s expert support to ensure compliance with your tax and accounting obligations, with a service tailored to your business needs.

The tax system in Malta

Malta is one of the most attractive business centres in the European Union due to its competitive tax system, which is fully aligned with EU standards. Companies in Malta are subject to a corporate tax rate of 35 per cent. However, when profits are distributed to shareholders, they may claim a refund of up to 6/7 of the tax paid by the company. In practice, this means that the effective tax burden can fall to around 5 per cent, depending on the corporate structure and the type of income generated. Furthermore, Malta has an extensive network of double taxation agreements, a favourable regime for holding companies and a tax framework that is particularly attractive to international companies.

What are the accounting and tax obligations in Malta?

All companies incorporated in Malta must comply with a set of accounting, tax and corporate obligations throughout the year. The main obligations include:

Maintaining up-to-date accounting records;
Preparing annual financial statements;
Submitting the corporate tax return;
Submitting periodic VAT returns, where applicable;
Submission of the annual report to the relevant authorities;
Compliance with obligations relating to payroll processing and social security contributions;
Retention of accounting records for the periods required by law.

Failure to comply with these obligations may result in fines, penalties and difficulties in managing the business.

Why choose NEWCO to support your business in Malta?

NEWCO has a vast experience in supporting businesses and private clients in Malta. Working with a local partner with this level of experience ensures that accounting and tax obligations are met from day one, with no surprises arising from a lack of knowledge of local regulations. Our accounting team in Malta is versatile and equipped to support multinationals, start-ups and private clients.

What sets us apart

Tailored solutions
A dedicated, multidisciplinary team
A single point of contact
35 years of international experience
Fluent in English, Spanish and French

Professional support with a personal touch

Speak to our accounting and tax team in Malta

Frequently Asked Questions about Accounting and Tax in Malta

Do I need a qualified accountant to set up a company in Malta?

Not immediately. Whilst you can set up a company without hiring an accountant straight away, the day-to-day management of your accounts and tax obligations requires specialist support to ensure full compliance. A local partner such as NEWCO is a great asset, as it combines support with the incorporation process with accounting and tax services in Malta.

Is it compulsory to have a certified accountant in Malta?

Yes. Maltese legislation requires companies to maintain proper accounting records and to fulfil their tax obligations. In practice, most companies engage specialist professionals to ensure compliance.

What is the corporate tax rate in Malta?

The nominal corporate tax rate is 35 per cent. However, through the tax refund scheme available to shareholders, the effective rate can be significantly reduced in certain situations.

Is an audit of accounts compulsory in Malta?

It depends on the case. The requirement for an audit is determined by the company's size and legal framework. Many companies are subject to an annual audit of their accounts.

What are the main annual tax deadlines for a company in Malta?

The tax deadlines for a company in Malta depend on the financial year-end, its VAT regime and whether it employs staff. Key obligations include filing the annual corporate tax return, paying the tax due, submitting VAT returns on a regular basis, and complying with obligations relating to wages and social security contributions. There is therefore no single deadline for the annual corporate tax return that applies to all companies. Having these deadlines monitored by a team specialising in accounting and taxation in Malta allows you to plan ahead for the relevant deadlines and ensure compliance with all accounting and tax obligations.

What happens if I fail to meet my tax obligations in Malta?

Non-compliance may result in fines, interest on arrears, administrative restrictions and other penalties provided for under Maltese law.

NEWCO peut-elle m'aider à gérer mon entreprise à Malte ?

Oui. NEWCO offre un accompagnement complet en matière de comptabilité et de fiscalité à Malte, notamment la création d’entreprises, le respect des obligations comptables et fiscales, la gestion de la paie et un accompagnement continu en matière de gestion.

How does VAT work in Malta?

Value Added Tax (VAT) in Malta follows the general rules of the European Union. The standard VAT rate is 18 per cent, and there are also reduced rates applicable to certain specific goods and services. Companies registered for VAT purposes must fulfil various obligations, including:

Issuing invoices in accordance with the applicable legislation;
Keeping proper accounting records;
Submitting VAT returns periodically;
Paying the tax due within the prescribed time limits.

Proper VAT management is one of the most important aspects of accounting and taxation in Malta, particularly for businesses engaged in international operations.