Tax clearance requirements for property transfers tightened

19 October 2026

The Myanmar Internal Revenue Department (“IRD”) has announced that tax compliance requirements for transfers of immovable property will be strictly enforced with effect from 1 September 2026 (“Announcement”). The requirements concern, among other things, property valuation, sellers’ capital gains tax obligations, and buyers’ obligations to substantiate the source of funds used for an acquisition.

From 1 September 2026, registration of changes of ownership for real estate, buildings, and apartments with the relevant authorities, and registration of transfer deeds with the Office for Registration of Deeds, will only be approved where the seller provides a tax clearance certificate for capital gains tax and the buyer provides evidence that the required income tax assessment has been completed.

The Announcement also reminds sellers and buyers to complete the necessary property valuation and tax assessment procedures with the relevant tax office. Sellers must account for capital gains tax where applicable, while buyers must demonstrate the source of funds used for the acquisition or may be subject to tax on undisclosed income where the source cannot be established.