Official Notice: Payment of Trade Fees for the Fiscal Year 2024/2025
This official communication from the Corporate and Business Registration Department (CBRD) provides comprehensive guidance on the procedures, deadlines, and exemptions related to the payment of trade fees for the upcoming financial year 2024/2025. It aims to inform all registered businesses, new and existing, about their obligations and the available options for fulfilling their trade fee payments in accordance with the relevant legal framework and administrative procedures.
Scope and Applicability
This notice applies to all businesses operating within Mauritius that are required to pay trade fees under the provisions of the Business Registration Act and related regulations. It covers entities involved in classified trades, including those registered before and after 5 August 2021, with specific exemptions and payment modalities outlined herein. Certain activities under the Real Estate Agent Authority, such as land agents and promoters, are excluded from some exemption provisions due to regulatory requirements.
Trade Fee Payment Schedule and Deadlines
Businesses are required to settle their trade fees in two instalments aligned with the fiscal periods:
- The first instalment covers the period from 1st July 2024 to 31st December 2024, payable on or before 20 January 2025.
- The second instalment pertains to the period from 1st January 2025 to 30 June 2025, payable on or before 30 June 2025.
Failure to meet these deadlines may result in penalties or administrative actions as prescribed by law.
Exemptions from Payment of Trade Fees
Threshold-Based Exemption
Businesses with classified trades and trade fees not exceeding MUR 5,000 are exempted from payment. This exemption aims to reduce the financial burden on small enterprises and startups. However, this provision does not apply to activities regulated under the Excise Act or the Gambling Regulatory Authority Act.
Registration Date-Based Exemption
Newly registered businesses on or after 5 August 2021 are exempted from trade fee payments for the first two financial years following their registration date. This exemption is designed to encourage entrepreneurship and ease the initial regulatory costs. Businesses whose two-year exemption period has already lapsed are required to comply with the standard payment obligations starting from 1 July 2023.
Payment Methods and Procedures
Online Payment Options
To facilitate smooth and contactless transactions, the department promotes online payment methods. Registration with Mauritius Network Services (MNS) is mandatory for online transactions via the portal accessible at https://portalmns.mu/cbris/. Once registered, users can choose from various secure payment options, including:
- Payment from a deposit account
- Electronic transfer through local banks (Mauritian Rupees only)
- Credit card payments
- Instant Payment System (IPS) via Maucas, which includes:
- Internet banking
- QR code scanning using compatible banking applications such as POP, Juice, Blink, or MauBank QR code
Payment at the Cash Office
For those preferring in-person transactions, payments can be made at the Cash Office located at the One Cathedral Square Building, Jules Koenig Street, Port Louis. Accepted methods include:
- Cash
- Cheques, which must be crossed and payable to the Government of Mauritius, with the Business Registration Number and contact details indicated on the reverse side
- Debit or credit cards, noting a service charge of 1.725% for payments exceeding MUR 25,000
The Cash Office operates during weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Special Provisions for Certain Business Categories
Entities such as audit firms, companies with a turnover of MUR 50 million or more, company service providers, law firms, management companies, and registered agents are mandated to use the online payment system for their registration fees, as stipulated under the Regulations of 9 January 2016 (GN 3 of 2016). This requirement aims to streamline administrative processes and ensure transparency.
Additional Notes and Contact Information
For further details, clarifications, or assistance, stakeholders can contact the Corporate and Business Registration Department at:
- Telephone: 2020600
- Fax: 2087263
- Email: comd@govmu.org
- Website: https://companies.govmu.org
Citizens and businesses are encouraged to regularly consult official sources to stay informed about updates or amendments to the trade fee regulations and procedures.
Conclusion
This notice underscores the government’s commitment to facilitating efficient business registration and compliance processes through digitalization and clear regulatory guidance. Adhering to the specified deadlines and procedures ensures that businesses remain compliant and avoid unnecessary penalties, thereby contributing to a stable and transparent business environment in Mauritius.
