When incorporating in Madagascar, it’s essential to consider not only operational aspects, but also the applicable taxes (and Madagascar Invest is here to accompany you for a smooth annual tax filing process). Each business structure sometimes comes with different tax obligations, which can significantly impact the company’s financial performance and long-term sustainability.
The corporate tax system offers various rates depending on company size, sector, and turnover. Two key taxes—Impôt sur les Sociétés (IS) and Impôt sur le Revenu (IR)—stand out as the primary considerations for businesses.
Let’s break down how these taxes apply based on the different business structures in Madagascar, focusing on the annual tax on turnover, benefits, and specific regimes for cooperatives and NGOs.
Different types of corporate taxes
Impôt sur les Sociétés (IS)
The Impôt sur les Sociétés (IS) applies to corporate entities, particularly those with an annual turnover of less than MGA 400 million, which often includes Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Limited Liability Companies (SARL – Société à Responsabilité Limitée).
The tax is calculated annually based on the company’s gross revenues, profits, or gains, with businesses required to make semi-annual provisional tax payments.
The standard IS rate is 5%, with a minimum tax ranging from MGA 16,000 to MGA 150,000 depending on the sector. This tax regime is ideal for smaller businesses, as the lower rate is designed to support growing companies without overburdening them financially.
Impôt sur le Revenu (IR)
Larger businesses, including Public Limited Companies (SA – Société Anonyme) or any enterprise with an annual turnover exceeding MGA 400 million, are subject to the Impôt sur le Revenu (IR). This income tax, also known as the real tax regime (in french : regime du reel), is applied at a rate of 20% on the company’s profits.
Unlike the IS, the IR is a more robust tax mechanism designed for larger ventures with significant financial activity. Businesses under this regime must also make bimonthly or semi-annual provisional payments. Additionally, companies subject to the IR are also liable for Value-Added Tax (VAT) at a rate of 20% on their turnover.
For free zone companies, the IR is reduced to 10%, and these companies can benefit from income tax exemptions for up to 10 years, depending on their category. Export companies enjoy an advantageous 0% VAT rate on exports, making this a compelling option for businesses focused on international trade.
Cooperatives, including unions and federations, benefit from significant tax exemptions. As long as non-member revenue does not exceed one-quarter of the total turnover, cooperatives are exempt from IR. However, the individual members of these cooperatives are still personally subject to IR or IS depending on their total income. This tax relief for cooperatives aims to formalize the primary sector, especially in agriculture, where integrating producers and processors into value chains is crucial for economic development and climate resilience.
For Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), the tax landscape is different. Since NGOs are non-profit entities, they are exempt from both IR and IS. This makes the NGO structure ideal for organizations focused on social and environmental missions without the commercial profit motive.
Summary Table: Taxation based on business structure
| Business structure | Applicable tax | tax rate | Turnover | key features |
| Entreprise Individuelle (EI) | IS | 5% (min MGA 16,000-150,000) | Typically < MGA 400 million | Personal liability; tax based on individual income; limited protection for personal assets |
| Limited Liability Company (SARL – Société à Responsabilité Limitée) | IS | 5% (min MGA 16,000-150,000) | Typically < MGA 400 million | Ideal for SMEs; distinct legal entity; semi-annual tax payments; limited liability |
| Public Limited Company (SA – Société Anonyme) | IR | 20% | Typically > MGA 400 million | Best for large ventures; public structure; subject to VAT; distinct legal entity |
| General Partnership (SNC – Société en Nom Collectif) | IS | 5% (min MGA 16,000-150,000) | Typically < MGA 400 million | Suitable for small family businesses with just two associates |
| Economic Interest Group (GIE – Groupement d’Intérêt Économique) | Members subject to IR or IS | Based on individual member’s income | < or > MGA 400 million | Not taxed as an entity; members are individually taxed |
| Foreign Company (SDET – Société de Droit Etranger) | Not subject to IS/IR | N/A | N/A | Typically does not perform commercial activities; mainly used for information or promotional purposes |
| Cooperative (Société Coopérative) | Exempt from IR | Exempt | Non-member turnover < 25% of total | Tax-exempt for cooperative activities; individual members subject to IR/IS based on total income |
| Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) | Exempt from IR/IS | Exempt | N/A | Not for profit structure; no commercial tax obligations |
In conclusion, taxes play a significant role in determining the appropriate structure, as they are closely linked to the business’s projected turnover. Their calculation is primarily based on the revenue the entrepreneur expects to generate over time, making them a central factor in the decision-making process.
While taxes like IRSA (income tax on salaries) remain consistent across all companies with employees, IR and IS vary depending on the business structure and financial outlook. These tax differences guide entrepreneurs in choosing the most efficient model to optimize their tax obligations and long-term financial sustainability.
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