Sri Lanka WHT Rates on Fixed Deposit Interest — 2025/26
| Investor Category |
WHT Rate |
Applicable Since |
Notes |
| Resident Individual | 5% | January 1, 2023 | Final WHT; certificate usable for APIT offset |
| Non-Resident / Foreign | 15% | January 1, 2023 | Subject to DTAA treaties where applicable |
| Resident Company | 14% | April 1, 2018 | Not covered by this calculator (personal FDs only) |
| Senior Citizens (60+) CHECK BANK | 5% or concession | Varies by bank | Some banks offer additional rate concessions |
Source: Inland Revenue Act No. 24 of 2017 & subsequent amendments. WHT is deducted at source by banks before crediting interest. Always consult IRD Sri Lanka for specific situations.
How WHT Works on FDs
When your fixed deposit earns interest, your bank automatically deducts 5% Withholding Tax (for residents) before crediting the net amount. They issue a WHT certificate which you can use when filing your annual income tax return to offset against your APIT liability — avoiding double taxation.
Simple vs Compound Interest
Most Sri Lankan bank FDs use simple interest — your interest is calculated on the original principal only. A few products offer compound interest where previously earned interest is added to the principal, generating higher returns over longer periods. Always confirm with your bank which method applies.
Effective Yield After WHT
The effective yield is your real return after WHT deduction. For example, a 12% FD rate with 5% WHT gives an effective yield of approximately 11.4%. This calculator shows you both gross and net figures so you can compare products accurately.