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 |
---|---|---|---|
Germany | 19% | 7% | Exports, healthcare |
France | 20% | 10%, 5.5%, 2.1% | Medical, education |
United Kingdom | 20% | 5% | Children’s clothing, food |
South Africa | 15% | None | Basic food items |
Colombia | 19% | 5% | Books, public transport |
Nigeria | 7.5% | None | Medical & basic food |
India | 18% | 12%, 5% | Export services, milk |
New Zealand | 15% | None | Financial services |
Saudi Arabia | 15% | None | Exports, education |
Canada | 5% GST | Varies by province | Groceries, rent |
Australia | 10% | None | Basic food, healthcare |
Austria | 20% | 13%, 10% | Exports, education |
Belgium | 21% | 12%, 6% | Medical, books |
Brazil | 17%-20% | Depends on state | Basic food, medicine |
Bulgaria | 20% | 9% | Tourism, books |
Chile | 19% | None | Exports, education |
China | 13% | 9%, 6% | Exports, certain services |
Croatia | 25% | 13%, 5% | Books, medicines |
Cyprus | 19% | 9%, 5% | Healthcare, books |
Czech Republic | 21% | 15%, 10% | Medicines, books |
Denmark | 25% | None | Exports |
Estonia | 20% | 9% | Books, accommodation |
Finland | 24% | 14%, 10% | Food, books |
Greece | 24% | 13%, 6% | Food, medical |
Hungary | 27% | 18%, 5% | Basic food, medicines |
Iceland | 24% | 11% | Tourism, books |
Indonesia | 11% | None | Basic goods, exports |
Ireland | 23% | 13.5%, 9%, 4.8% | Children’s clothes |
Israel | 17% | None | Exports |
Italy | 22% | 10%, 5%, 4% | Books, medical, tourism |
Japan | 10% | 8% | Food, newspaper |
Kenya | 16% | 8% | Basic goods, healthcare |
Latvia | 21% | 12%, 5% | Books, medical |
Lithuania | 21% | 9%, 5% | Books, accommodation |
Luxembourg | 16% | 13%, 8%, 3% | Books, food |
Malaysia | 6% (SST) | None | Exports |
Malta | 18% | 7%, 5% | Medical, energy |
Mexico | 16% | 0% | Exports, food |
Netherlands | 21% | 9% | Food, medicine |
Norway | 25% | 15%, 12% | Books, transport |
Pakistan | 18% | 0% | Exports |
Philippines | 12% | None | Agricultural products |
Poland | 23% | 8%, 5% | Food, medicine |
Portugal | 23% | 13%, 6% | Utilities, food |
Qatar | 0% | 0% | No VAT implemented |
Romania | 19% | 9%, 5% | Food, tourism |
Russia | 20% | 10% | Child products, food |
Singapore | 9% (2024) | None | Exports |