1. Registration:
- Self-employed individuals must register with the MBR as sole traders or under their business name.
2. Taxation:
- Income Tax: Self-employed individuals are taxed on their personal income. The tax rates are progressive, ranging from 0% to 35%.
- VAT: If your annual turnover exceeds a certain threshold, you must register for VAT and charge VAT on your services or goods.
3. Social Security Contributions:
- Self-employed persons need to pay social security contributions based on their earnings. These contributions provide access to various social benefits.
4. Record-Keeping:
- It's essential to maintain accurate records of all transactions, income, and expenses. This is crucial for both tax purposes and financial management.
5. Business Support:
- There are several resources available for self-employed individuals, including business advice, networking events, and training programs offered by institutions like Malta Enterprise or the Chamber of Commerce.
In Malta, as a self-employed individual, you’re eligible for various tax deductions that can reduce your taxable income.
1. Business Expenses
You can deduct expenses that are necessary for running your business. These include:
- Office Rent and Utilities: Costs related to renting office space, as well as utilities like electricity and water.
- Office Supplies: Expenses for stationery, printer ink, and other office necessities.
- Equipment and Depreciation: Costs of purchasing and maintaining business equipment, such as computers and machinery. You can also claim depreciation on these assets over time.
- Travel Expenses: Costs related to business travel, including fuel, public transport, accommodation, and meals. Ensure these are strictly for business purposes.
- Telephone and Internet Bills: Expenses for communication services used for business.
2. Professional Fees
- Accountancy Services: Fees paid for accounting, bookkeeping, and tax advisory services.
- Legal Fees: Costs related to legal advice and representation for business matters.
3. Employee Costs
If you have employees, you can deduct:
- Salaries and Wages: Payments made to employees.
- Employer's Social Security Contributions: Your contributions to the social security fund for employees.
- Training and Development: Costs related to professional development and training for employees.
4. Vehicle Expenses
If you use a vehicle for business purposes, you can deduct:
- Business-Related Travel: Costs associated with business travel, including fuel, maintenance, and insurance.
- Depreciation: Depreciation on vehicles used for business.
5. Advertising and Marketing
- Advertising Costs: Expenses for promoting your business, including online ads, print media, and promotional materials.
- Marketing Materials: Costs related to creating business cards, brochures, and other marketing collateral.
6. Insurance
- Business Insurance: Premiums for business-related insurance policies, such as public liability or professional indemnity insurance.
7. Bank Fees and Interest
- Bank Charges: Fees for maintaining business bank accounts.
- Interest on Business Loans: Interest paid on loans used for business purposes.
8. Home Office Expenses
If you work from home, you may claim a proportion of your home expenses, such as:
- Rent or Mortgage Interest: A percentage of your home rent or mortgage interest based on the space used for business.
- Utilities: A proportion of utility bills related to your home office.
9. Tax Credits and Allowances
- Investment Tax Credits: If you invest in certain qualifying assets or projects, you might be eligible for tax credits.
- Personal Allowances: Standard allowances that reduce your taxable income.
10. Health and Safety Costs
- Compliance Costs: Expenses incurred to meet health and safety regulations in your business.