info@smartbizpacific.com
Suppose you’re a small business owner, sole trader, or micro-entrepreneur in Papua New Guinea. In that case, you’ve probably received a reminder from the Internal Revenue Commission (IRC) about your Small Business Tax (SBT). But what exactly is the SBT, and how can it affect your business?
At SmartBiz Pacific, we help SMEs, startups, sole traders, and informal sector traders stay compliant with tax laws while confidently growing their businesses.
What Is the Small Business Tax (SBT)?
The SBT is a simplified tax system designed by the IRC to make it easier for individual business owners to report income and pay taxes. It mainly applies to sole traders and micro or small enterprises that:
- Are registered with the Investment Promotion Authority (IPA),
- Are not employed or on a company payroll, and
- Earn a gross income of up to K250,000 per year.
If you meet these criteria, you can register as an SBT taxpayer and pay as little as K250 per year- depending on your business category.
SBT Rates and Due Dates
Here’s how the Small Business Tax works in PNG:
| Business Category | Tax Rate | Payment Frequency | Due Dates | Documents Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Micro Business | K250/year | Annually | 28 January | Annual SBT Return |
| Small Business | K62.50 or K62.50 + 2% of sales over K15,000/quarter | Quarterly | 28 April, 28 July, 28 October, 28 January | Quarterly SBT Return |
For example, the Q3 2025 SBT (covering 1 July–30 September) is due on 28 October 2025.
Why Paying Your SBT Matters
Paying your Small Business Tax:
- Keeps your IPA business registration active and compliant.
- Helps you avoid penalties or interest charges from the IRC.
- Strengthens your business reputation with banks and government partners.
- Builds your financial history, which is vital for loan applications and business tenders.
How to Pay Your SBT at IRC
- You can now pay your SBT online through the myIRC portal:
https://irc.gov.pg/myirc/payments/make-a-payment - If you haven’t registered yet, sign up here:
https://irc.gov.pg/register - You can also download all tax forms and payment guides from the IRC website:
https://irc.gov.pg/pages/downloadable-resources/tax-forms
How SmartBiz Pacific Helps with Tax & Accounting
At SmartBiz Pacific, we understand that tax compliance can be confusing – especially for first-time business owners and micro-entrepreneurs. That’s why we offer hands-on support to help you stay compliant and focus on growing your business.
Our services include:
- Business registration & SBT setup (IPA + IRC support)
- Bookkeeping & accounting software setup (Xero, QuickBooks, or Excel)
- Monthly & quarterly tax filing assistance
- SBT, GST, and Salary & Wages Tax (SWT) guidance
- Business coaching for SMEs and sole traders
Whether you run a trade store, hire service, local transport, or home-based business, we help you stay organized, compliant, and tax-ready.
Get Expert Help Today
If you’re unsure whether your business qualifies for SBT or you’ve missed a filing deadline, don’t panic. Contact SmartBiz Pacific today and let our experts help you with your tax registration, returns, and compliance.
📞 Call: (+675) 3210447
📧 Email: info@smartbizpacific.com