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Malta has established itself as an appealing destination for businesses seeking savvy solutions that provide enduring benefits for their financial resilience and growth.
One of the key incentives offered by the Maltese tax system is the Notional Interest Rate Deduction (NIRD), which provides significant benefits for locally registered companies.
Let’s see how it works and how its incorporation into your strategy can lead to substantial savings and improve financial performance.
What is the Notional Interest Rate Deduction (NIRD)?
The Notional Interest Rate Deduction is a tax incentive introduced by the Maltese government to encourage equity financing in companies.
The NIRD effectively reduces taxable income, resulting in lower tax liabilities. It’s important to understand that the NIRD is not a cash payment or an actual interest expense incurred by the business. It is a tax deduction that can significantly reduce tax liabilities and improve overall tax planning strategy.
So, how does the NIRD work? Businesses in Malta are entitled to claim a deduction equal to a notional interest rate set by the Maltese tax authorities on the amount of equity capital invested in their business. This notional interest rate is calculated based on the risk-free rate of return on long-term government bonds, providing a fair and transparent mechanism for businesses to benefit from the deduction.
Eligibility Criteria for the Notional Interest Rate Deduction:
In order to benefit from the Notional Interest Rate Deduction, a company must meet certain eligibility criteria. These include:
- The company must be incorporated in Malta.
- The company must have share capital and share premium.
- The funds on which the NIRD is claimed must be used for the company’s trading activities.
- The NIRD cannot exceed 90% of the company’s chargeable income.
Benefits of the Notional Interest Rate Deduction
- By deducting a deemed interest expense on equity, companies can reduce their taxable income and lower their tax liability;
- The NIRD can enhance a company’s financial performance by increasing its after-tax profits and cash flow;
- Companies that make use of the NIRD can improve their competitiveness by lowering their effective tax rate compared to companies in jurisdictions with higher tax burdens;
- The NIRD encourages companies to use equity financing, which can have long-term benefits for their financial stability and growth.
By carefully managing their equity capital and leveraging the NIRD, businesses can free up resources to reinvest in their growth and development.
When incorporating the Notional Interest Rate Deduction into your tax planning strategy, it is essential to ensure that your company’s capital structure is optimized, that you stay up to date with changes in tax laws and regulations related to the NIRD and assessed the risks and benefits.
We shall help you to develop a streamlined strategy that maximizes the advantages of the NIRD to its fullest potential. Contact us today!
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