✅ Introduction:
If you’re a salaried employee in Sri Lanka, you’ve probably seen APIT (Advanced Personal Income Tax) or PAYE deductions on your payslip each month. But what happens if you’ve paid more tax than you owe for the year?
Good news: You can claim a tax refund from the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) — and the process is easier than you think.
🔍 What Is a Tax Refund?
A tax refund is the amount the IRD owes you because:
- You overpaid your taxes (e.g. too much APIT/PAYE was deducted)
- You qualified for reliefs or deductions you didn’t initially claim
- Your income changed mid-year (e.g. resignation, unpaid leave, bonus mismatch)
🧠 Common Reasons You Might Be Eligible:
- You earned below the annual tax-free threshold (Rs. 1.2 million as of 2025)
- You worked only part of the year
- Your employer didn’t apply eligible deductions (e.g. for pension, donations, or dependents)
- You had multiple income sources, but only one needed APIT
📋 Step-by-Step: How to Claim Your Tax Refund
Step 1: Register with the IRD
If you haven’t already:
- Visit: https://www.ird.gov.lk
- Register for a TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number)
- Activate your RAMIS account (IRD’s online system)
Step 2: File Your Annual Income Tax Return
Deadline: Usually before November 30th of the following year
Platform: RAMIS → Self Assessment → Submit Return
You’ll need:
- Employer PAYE/Salary slips (Form T10)
- Any other income details
- Relief/deduction documents (e.g. pension, donations, dependents)
Step 3: IRD Will Process Your Refund
- After submission, IRD will validate the return
- If overpaid, your refund is processed to your bank account (can take 2–4 months)
💡 Pro Tip:
Use our Free PAYE Refund Checker to estimate if you’re eligible — based on your income, deductions, and APIT already paid.
❓ FAQ
Q: Can I claim a refund for past years?
Yes, but usually within 3 years. You’ll need to file previous returns and submit a letter to IRD.
Q: What if my employer made a mistake?
You can still claim the refund when you file your return, and the IRD will make the correction.
📞 Need Help?
At TaxCalculator.lk, we help individuals and businesses:
- File IRD returns
- Claim APIT/PAYE refunds
- Stay compliant with Sri Lanka tax laws
📢 Final Tip:
Don’t let your hard-earned money sit with the IRD. If you suspect you’ve paid too much tax this year — take action today.
Visit: www.taxcalculator.lk
Try our FREE Tax Refund Estimator and let us help you get your money back.
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