💼 How to Save Tax Legally in Nepal – Tips for Businesses (2025)
If you're running a business in Nepal—whether it's a small firm, retail shop, freelancer income, or online startup—there are legal ways to reduce your tax burden. Here are practical strategies based on Nepal’s Income Tax Act 2058.
1. Keep Proper Accounting Records
To claim any expense legally, it must be recorded and supported with bills. Maintain cashbook, ledger, sales and purchase register.
✅ Tip: Use accounting software or register your books with a tax advisor.2. Claim All Business Expenses
You can deduct business-related costs such as rent, utilities, salaries, depreciation, travel, office supplies, etc.
✅ Tip: Avoid paying cash above Rs. 50,000—use cheque, bank, or digital method to stay legal.3. Depreciate Fixed Assets
Machinery, furniture, computers, and vehicles lose value over time. The Income Tax Act allows you to deduct depreciation annually.
✅ Tip: Check rates: e.g., Furniture 25%, Computers 30%, Vehicle 20% (Written Down Value).4. Register for PAN and VAT (if required)
Business with annual turnover above Rs. 20 lakhs (goods) or Rs. 10 lakhs (services) must register for PAN and may need VAT registration.
✅ Tip: Voluntary VAT registration can help you claim input tax credits.5. Set Aside Provisions and Bad Debts
You can legally set aside a provision for bad debts or doubtful accounts, which reduces your taxable income.
✅ Tip: Must be realistic and backed by efforts to recover the amount.6. Contribute to Social Security Fund (SSF)
Contributions to the SSF (for employees and owner-directors) are tax deductible. It also builds long-term pension and insurance benefits.
✅ Tip: 20% of monthly gross salary (combined employer + employee) goes to SSF.7. Deduct Donations to Approved Charities
Donations made to registered social organizations or PM relief funds are eligible for tax deduction up to a limit.
✅ Tip: Keep PAN bill of the charity and deposit proof.8. File Annual Tax Return Correctly
If you declare your income and file return on time, you avoid penalties and can even claim refunds.
✅ Tip: File the return before Ashad end or risk a fine of Rs. 5,000 or more.💡 Bonus Tip: Hire a Registered Tax Advisor
A licensed tax professional (Tax Agent or Chartered Accountant) helps you save more by planning and avoiding mistakes.
✅ Tip: Their fees are also tax-deductible as business expenses.🔍 Popular in Nepal:
- How to reduce tax in Nepal for business
- Tax saving tips for Nepali traders
- Small business income tax Nepal
- Depreciation rules Nepal
- Legal tax exemptions for firms
Written by Barala Finance Blog • Updated 2025 • Visit Blog