Step-by-step: how PAYE flows from payroll to IRD
This walk-through covers the reporting cycle for a Myanmar employer with payroll across multiple staff. Default: resident employees on PAYE, single Township IRD jurisdiction. Brackets are from the Union Tax Law 2025-2026 (Section 5). The Myanmar tax year runs 1 April – 31 March. Employers must report at three rhythms: monthly, year-end, and per-employee.
Step 1 — Compute the PIT figures that get reported
Reporting begins from a clean payroll calculation. For each employee: project annual gross, apply the 20% basic personal relief (capped MMK 10,000,000), apply spouse/child/parent allowances, run the residual through the bracket table, divide by 12 for monthly PAYE.
| Annual gross salary (per employee) | (figure) |
| Less: 20% basic personal relief | − up to MMK 10,000,000 |
| Less: spouse / child / parent allowances | (per declaration) |
| Annual taxable income | = residual |
Step 2 — Apply the Union Tax Law 2025-2026 brackets and report
| Annual taxable income | Marginal rate |
|---|---|
| 1L – 20L (MMK 0 – 2,000,000) | 0% |
| 20L – 100L (MMK 2,000,000 – 10,000,000) | 5% |
| 100L – 300L (MMK 10,000,000 – 30,000,000) | 10% |
| 300L – 500L (MMK 30,000,000 – 50,000,000) | 15% |
| 500L – 700L (MMK 50,000,000 – 70,000,000) | 20% |
| 700L & above (MMK 70,000,000+) | 25% |
The three reporting channels:
| Channel | What it reports | When | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly PAYE withholding return | Total PIT withheld in the prior month, total wages, headcount, payment reference | By the 15th of the following month | IRD office of jurisdiction (Township IRD or LTO), with bank receipt |
| Annual employer reconciliation | Per-employee gross, relief, taxable income, PIT withheld for 1 April – 31 March | Within 3 months of year-end (by 30 June) | Same IRD office |
| PAYE certificate (per employee) | Year's gross, relief, allowances, PIT withheld — given to each employee | After year-end, before the employee's annual return | Issued by employer to employee |
Step 3 — Convert to monthly compliance routine
- Day 1 of new month: close payroll, freeze PAYE figures.
- Day 1–10: prepare monthly PAYE return.
- Day 11–15: remit to IRD bank, file return with stamped bank receipt.
- Year-end (April–June): assemble annual reconciliation and issue PAYE certificates.
What about SSB and the true net salary?
SSB has a parallel reporting track: a monthly contribution return to the Social Security Board with the 2% employee + 3% employer remittance, capped at the MMK 300,000/month wage base (max MMK 6,000 employee, MMK 9,000 employer). The PAYE return and SSB return should reconcile on headcount and wages each month — IRD audit will test this.
| PIT report (IRD) | Monthly + annual reconciliation + per-employee certificates |
| SSB report (Social Security Board) | Monthly contribution return + benefit claims |
| Reconciliation point | Headcount and wage base each cycle |
Employer takeaway
Report PIT to IRD on three rhythms: monthly PAYE return with cash remittance by the 15th of the following month, annual employer reconciliation by 30 June, and per-employee PAYE certificates issued in time for each employee's annual return. File at the IRD office of jurisdiction; reconcile to SSB filings each cycle. Retain copies, bank receipts, and reconciliations for at least 7 years.
Common variations to watch for
- Multiple branches — typically file under the head office's TIN unless IRD has assigned branch sub-TINs.
- LTO transition — large taxpayers may move from Township IRD to the Large Taxpayer Office mid-year.
- Mid-year leaver — issue PAYE certificate early so the leaver can file.
- New entity in first year — file zero returns for months prior to first hire if registered earlier.
- Online filing pilots — some IRD offices accept e-filing; check current circulars.
Common PIT mistakes to avoid
- Filing without bank receipt — IRD may treat as not filed.
- Mismatch between monthly PAYE and annual reconciliation — must agree to the rupee.
- Failure to issue PAYE certificate — leaves employees unable to file. See filing forms.
- Late report — interest and surcharge apply. See penalties.
We publish practical, legally-grounded HR guidance for Myanmar employers. Each piece is reviewed by our compliance team against current MLIP and Labor Law requirements.