Introduction to
Papua New Guinea tax planning guide

With its rich biodiversity, vibrant traditional cultures, and emerging opportunities in sectors like mining, education, and development, PNG is a destination unlike any other.



In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about relocating to the PNG from a personal tax perspective, including tax residency, income tax, special tax regimes and tax return obligations. 



TaxPilot recommend that you organize your affairs in good time to get ahead and make the most of favorable tax treatment while making sure you’re meeting your tax return obligations.

TAX SYSTEM

HOW YOU’RE TAXED IN Papua New Guinea

PNG follows a residence taxation model. If you are resident, you will pay tax worldwide incomes. If you are non-resident, you will pay tax on local incomes only.

Resident
Local Income
Foreign Income
Non-Resident
Local Income
Foreign Income
RESIDENCY

YOUR RESIDENT STATUS IN Papua New Guinea

You’ll be considered tax resident if you satisfy any of the following criteria:
Physical presence

if you spend more than 182 days in PNG during the tax year period unless you normally reside overseas and have no intention to reside long term in PNG.

Domicile

if you have a PNG domicile unless your permanent abode is overseas.

HIGHEST RATE

INCOME TAX IN Papua New Guinea

Residents are subject to progressive tax rates and the highest rate of tax levied on employment income and self employment income is 42%.
Global comparison
56%
World highest
42
%
Papua New Guinea
0%
World lowest
OPTIMISATION

SPECIAL TAX REGIME IN Papua New Guinea

Providing that you operate an SME business and your turnover is less PGK 250,000, your profits will be subject to a flat tax rate of 2%. PNG can be a very tax efficient place to live for entreprenuers and as such, Global Tax Consulting recommends seeking personalized tax planning advice to take advantage of the special tax regime.

Foreign income

Earned income

Profits up to 250,000 PGK.

Flat tax charge

2% flat tax rate.

OTHER TAXES

PERSONAL TAXES IN Papua New Guinea

Asset tax

Tax on property and share sales

Wealth tax

Tax on value of owned assets

Death tax

Tax on assets passed to heirs

Social tax

Tax to contribute to state welfare

 * It is recommended that you review your affairs and structure accordingly so that you do not end up creating an unexpected tax charge and paying more tax than necessary.
INTERNATIONAL TAX

DOUBLE TAXATION AGREEMENTS IN Papua New Guinea

If you receive incomes overseas while you are living in PNG, you may find the source country, as a starting point, continues to tax the income which may cause double taxation unless you are using special tax regime.

Double taxation agreements can be used to mitigate double taxation and  receive tax free income. As such, the more double taxation agreements a country has, the better, as agreements will ensure you’re not taxed twice and even better, ensure your income is tax free.  

At present, PNG has ten double taxation agreements signed.

Global comparison
140
World highest
10
Papua New Guinea
0
World lowest
COMPLIANCE

TAX OBLIGATIONS IN Papua New Guinea

What is the deadline to file tax returns and settle tax liabilities?
The tax year starts on 1 January and ends 31 December.
What is the deadline to file tax returns and settle tax liabilities?
The deadline to file your tax return is 28 February following the end of the tax year. The deadline to settle the tax bill is 30 days from the date the PNG tax authority raises the tax assessment.
Do you need to make advance payments of tax?
No you will not be required to make advance payments of tax.