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South Korea vs Sri Lanka
Tax Rate Comparison

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

🇰🇷 South Korea
vs
🇱🇰 Sri Lanka
Tax Year:

💰 Personal Income Tax Calculator

Enter your income to see your estimated annual tax liability in each country — side by side.

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Individual Income Tax (Top Marginal Rate)

Top Income Tax Rate
6–45%
Stable; political debate on top rate reduction
No change
6–36%
Post-IMF program stabilization; rates held
No change

VAT / GST / Sales Tax

VAT / GST / Sales Tax
10%
Standard 10% maintained
No change
18%
18% stable; debt servicing requires revenue
No change

Corporate Tax Rate

Corporate Tax Rate
9–24%
Competitiveness discussions vs global peers
No change
30%
30% maintained
No change

Capital Gains Tax

Capital Gains Tax
0–45%
Financial income taxation reform continuing
No change
10%
10% CGT maintained
No change

Social Security & Payroll

Social Security / Payroll
~18.5%
Contribution rates stable; pension reform discussion
No change
~12%
EPF reform; adequacy improving
No change
State, Regional & Local Taxes

🇰🇷 South KoreaLocal Income Tax & Resident Tax

South Korea's 17 metropolitan/provincial governments levy local income tax at 10% of national income tax. Property holding tax (Jongbu-se) is a national progressive tax on higher-value properties. Local education taxes and acquisition taxes apply to property transfers. Seoul has higher effective rates due to property values.

🇱🇰 Sri LankaProvincial & Local Authority Taxes

Sri Lanka's 9 provincial councils have some tax powers including turnover tax, certain business taxes, and stamp duties within their provinces. Local authorities (municipal councils, urban councils, pradeshiya sabhas) levy property tax (Assessment rate) at 25% of annual value and various service fees. The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) administers national taxes. Sri Lanka went through a severe debt crisis in 2022–23; significant IMF-backed tax reforms dramatically raised income tax rates and broadened the tax base.

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

South Korea vs Sri Lanka: Key Tax Differences (2026)

💰 Income Tax: 🇰🇷 South Korea has a higher top income tax rate (6–45% vs 6–36%). 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka is more favourable for high earners.

🛒 VAT/Sales Tax: Sri Lanka has a higher consumption tax (10% vs 18%).

🏢 Corporate Tax: 🇰🇷 South Korea offers a lower corporate rate (24% vs 30%), which can influence business location decisions.

📈 Capital Gains: 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka taxes investment gains at a lower rate (10% vs 45%), benefiting investors.

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