Zambia Vat Calculator

Easily calculate Zambia VAT with our user-friendly tool. Whether you’re a business owner or an individual, this calculator helps you determine VAT-inclusive or VAT-exclusive amounts quickly. For more VAT calculators and global tax tools, visit valueaddedtaxcalculator.com.

Zambia VAT Calculator

Results

VAT Amount: 0.00 ZMW

Total Amount: 0.00 ZMW

Step 1: Know the VAT Rate

The standard VAT rate in Zambia is 16%. This applies to most goods and services unless exempt or zero-rated.

Step 2: Identify the VAT Base

The VAT is calculated on the selling price of the goods or services, which may include transportation or packaging fees.

Step 3: Use the VAT Formula

VAT Amount = Selling Price × VAT Rate (16%)
Example: If the selling price is ZMW 1,000, then VAT = 1,000 × 0.16 = ZMW 160.

Step 4: Calculate Total Price

Total Price (incl. VAT) = Selling Price + VAT
Example: 1,000 + 160 = ZMW 1,160

Reverse VAT Calculation

If you already have a VAT-inclusive price and want to extract VAT:
VAT = VAT Inclusive Price × (16 / 116)
Example: 1,160 × (16 / 116) = ZMW 160

Exempt and Zero-Rated Items

Items such as basic food, agricultural inputs, and certain medical services may be zero-rated or exempt and not attract VAT.

When to Charge VAT

Businesses registered for VAT must charge VAT on all taxable supplies. The VAT must be shown separately on invoices.

How to File VAT Returns

Registered businesses must file monthly VAT returns with the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), showing input and output VAT.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Zambia VAT

The standard VAT rate in Zambia is 16%.

Businesses with an annual turnover exceeding ZMW 800,000 are required to register for VAT with the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA).

Yes. Basic food items, certain educational and health services, and financial services are exempt from VAT.

Zero-rated goods are taxable at 0% and allow input tax claims, while VAT-exempt goods do not allow such claims.

Yes, if you’re a VAT-registered business and the inputs are used for taxable supplies, you can claim input VAT.

VAT returns in Zambia are generally submitted on a monthly basis.

You can calculate VAT by multiplying the amount by 16%, or use this calculator to include or exclude VAT.

You may incur penalties and interest for late submissions or payments of VAT returns.

Yes, foreign companies conducting business in Zambia may be required to register for VAT if they exceed the threshold.

Yes, digital and online services may be subject to VAT depending on the nature of the service and the location of the buyer.

Exports are typically zero-rated, meaning they are taxable at 0% and allow input VAT recovery.

You can apply for VAT deregistration through ZRA if your turnover drops below the threshold or you cease trading.

Yes, you can request to amend a submitted VAT return by contacting ZRA and providing a valid reason.

You will typically need a business registration certificate, TPIN, proof of turnover, and identification documents.

You can visit the Zambia Revenue Authority website at www.zra.org.zm for official information.

VAT Rates Around the World (Top 50)

Country Standard Rate Reduced Rates Zero/Exempt
Germany19%7%Exports, healthcare
France20%10%, 5.5%, 2.1%Medical, education
United Kingdom20%5%Children’s clothing, food
South Africa15%NoneBasic food items
Colombia19%5%Books, public transport
Nigeria7.5%NoneMedical & basic food
India18%12%, 5%Export services, milk
New Zealand15%NoneFinancial services
Saudi Arabia15%NoneExports, education
Canada5% GSTVaries by provinceGroceries, rent
Australia10%NoneBasic food, healthcare
Austria20%13%, 10%Exports, education
Belgium21%12%, 6%Medical, books
Brazil17%-20%Depends on stateBasic food, medicine
Bulgaria20%9%Tourism, books
Chile19%NoneExports, education
China13%9%, 6%Exports, certain services
Croatia25%13%, 5%Books, medicines
Cyprus19%9%, 5%Healthcare, books
Czech Republic21%15%, 10%Medicines, books
Denmark25%NoneExports
Estonia20%9%Books, accommodation
Finland24%14%, 10%Food, books
Greece24%13%, 6%Food, medical
Hungary27%18%, 5%Basic food, medicines
Iceland24%11%Tourism, books
Indonesia11%NoneBasic goods, exports
Ireland23%13.5%, 9%, 4.8%Children’s clothes
Israel17%NoneExports
Italy22%10%, 5%, 4%Books, medical, tourism
Japan10%8%Food, newspaper
Kenya16%8%Basic goods, healthcare
Latvia21%12%, 5%Books, medical
Lithuania21%9%, 5%Books, accommodation
Luxembourg16%13%, 8%, 3%Books, food
Malaysia6% (SST)NoneExports
Malta18%7%, 5%Medical, energy
Mexico16%0%Exports, food
Netherlands21%9%Food, medicine
Norway25%15%, 12%Books, transport
Pakistan18%0%Exports
Philippines12%NoneAgricultural products
Poland23%8%, 5%Food, medicine
Portugal23%13%, 6%Utilities, food
Qatar0%0%No VAT implemented
Romania19%9%, 5%Food, tourism
Russia20%10%Child products, food
Singapore9% (2024)NoneExports