How to File and Pay Taxes with the Malawi Revenue Authority

The Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) is the government agency responsible for collecting taxes from individuals and businesses.⁶ You can file tax returns and make payments through MRA’s online systems and at its offices across the country.⁴

About MRA

MRA was established in 1998 and launched in February 2000 as an agency of the Government of Malawi under the Ministry of Finance.⁶⁷ The Authority has 32 offices spread across the country.⁴ Tax revenue collected by MRA goes to government for development projects including roads, bridges, schools, health facilities, and paying civil servants such as police, army, doctors, nurses and teachers.⁶⁷

Types of taxes MRA collects

MRA’s Domestic Taxes Division collects direct income taxes from individuals and corporations, including Pay As You Earn (PAYE), Provisional Tax, Fringe Benefit Tax and Withholding Tax.⁴ The Division also collects Domestic VAT and Domestic Excise.⁴

Filing and paying online

MRA operates Msonkho Online, an electronic system for filing tax returns and making payments.³ You can complete income tax and withholding tax returns through this platform and pay using e-payment methods.³ If you rent out residential properties, you must file a Quarterly Rental Income Tax Return for Residential Properties with details of your rental income, withholding tax, and tax payable.¹

Money transfer levy

As of 30 December 2025, a new levy of 0.05 percent is charged on money transfers in excess of K100,000.00 through mobile money operators, payable by the sender.²

Frequently asked questions

Where can I find an MRA office?

MRA has 32 offices spread across the country.⁴

What if I need training on how to file taxes online?

MRA offers short courses on filing and payment through Msonkho Online and e-payment systems, as well as completing tax returns.³⁹