Treasury Refutes “False” Tax Reform Rumors: No New Taxes on Pensions or Death Benefits

The Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning, and Decentralization has moved swiftly to dismiss social media reports suggesting that the government is planning to introduce a series of aggressive new tax laws.

In an official statement released today, January 20, 2026, the Ministry categorically refuted claims that it intends to amend existing legislation to tax pension funds, death benefits, or introduce “worldwide taxation” models.

The Secretary to the Treasury described the rumors as “false, misleading, and entirely unfounded,” urging the public to remain calm and rely only on verified government communications.

According to the press release, the Ministry explicitly denied the introduction of three specific tax measures that had been the subject of public concern on worldwide Taxation with claims that Malawians would be taxed on income earned globally.

On pension Taxation, there are rumors that the government would begin taxing monthly pension income or the accumulated pension funds of retirees.There are suggestions that beneficiaries of Death Benefits would be taxed on payouts received following the passing of a relative.

The Ministry emphasized that no such amendments are currently under consideration. Officials have urged stakeholders and the general public to seek clarification through official channels rather than relying on unverified reports that could cause unnecessary financial panic.

“The Ministry remains open and fully committed to transparent, constructive, and inclusive engagement,” the statement read, reinforcing that any changes to national fiscal policy would follow a public and consultative process.

The Treasury’s intervention comes at a sensitive time as the government prepares for the upcoming 2026/27 National Budget consultations, where public interest in tax policy is at an all-time high.

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