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Costa Rica vs Malawi
Tax Rate Comparison

Enter your income below for a personal tax estimate, then scroll down for full rate breakdowns.

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ท Costa Rica
vs
๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ผ Malawi
Tax Year:

๐Ÿ’ฐ Personal Income Tax Calculator

Enter your income to see your estimated annual tax liability in each country โ€” side by side.

Enter your annual income above to see your personal tax comparison โ†’
Individual Income Tax (Top Marginal Rate)
Top Income Tax Rate
0โ€“25%
25% top; fiscal consolidation achieved
No change
0โ€“35%
35% top; IMF program conditions
No change
VAT / GST / Sales Tax
VAT / GST / Sales Tax
13%
13% IVA maintained
No change
16.5%
16.5% VAT maintained
No change
Corporate Tax Rate
Corporate Tax Rate
30%
30%; Pillar Two for MNCs; tech sector growing
No change
30%
30%; mining sector developing
No change
Capital Gains Tax
Capital Gains Tax
15%
15% maintained
No change
30%
30% CGT maintained
No change
Social Security & Payroll
Social Security / Payroll
~41.17%
High contributions; reform proposals for sustainability
No change
~10%
MASM; pension coverage expanding
No change
State, Regional & Local Taxes

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ท Costa Rica โ€” Municipal Taxes

Costa Rica's 84 cantons (municipalities) levy the impuesto sobre bienes inmuebles (property tax at 0.25% of assessed value), business licences (patente municipal), and construction permits. The Municipalidad de San Josรฉ and other urban cantons have highest rates. National taxes are administered by the Ministry of Finance (Hacienda). Costa Rica underwent significant fiscal reform in 2018โ€“19 to address a fiscal deficit, converting the sales tax to a comprehensive VAT and modifying income tax.

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ผ Malawi โ€” District & City Councils

Malawi's 28 district councils and city/town assemblies levy property rates, trading licences, and local service charges. The Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) administers national taxes. Malawi is landlocked and one of the world's poorest countries โ€” highly dependent on tobacco exports (declining due to health campaigns), tea, and sugar, plus significant international aid. An IMF Extended Credit Facility has been supporting fiscal consolidation. The kwacha has experienced significant depreciation, complicating tax bracket real values over time.

โš ๏ธ Disclaimer: Rates shown are standard top/headline rates for informational purposes. Actual tax liability depends on income level, residency, deductions, and tax treaties. 2025โ€“2026 data reflects announced or enacted rates and may be subject to change. Not financial or legal advice.

Costa Rica vs Malawi: Key Tax Differences (2026)

๐Ÿ’ฐ Income Tax: ๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ผ Malawi has a higher top income tax rate (0โ€“25% vs 0โ€“35%). ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ท Costa Rica is more favourable for high earners.

๐Ÿ›’ VAT/Sales Tax: Malawi has a higher consumption tax (13% vs 16.5%).

๐Ÿข Corporate Tax: Corporate rates are similar in both countries (30% vs 30%).

๐Ÿ“ˆ Capital Gains: ๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ท Costa Rica taxes investment gains at a lower rate (15% vs 30%), benefiting investors.

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