Vietnam’s tax law doesn’t change a lot, however, fiscal policy does. This section monitors Vietnam tax news for changes to fiscal policy, tax breaks and incentives, and draft tax laws and regulations.

Reduction in Vietnam Environment Tax on jet fuel, petrol extended to end 2025

the-shiv December 30, 2024

A 50 percent cut to Vietnam’s Environment Tax on jet fuel, petrol, and grease, first implemented as a COVID-19 economic stimulus measure, will be extended to the end of next year. The tax cut was originally set to end on the first of January.

National Assembly goes big and broad in Vietnam excise tax debate

the-shiv November 25, 2024

Votive papers and plastic bags, gasoline, air conditioners, beer, and sugar are just some of the items being considered to either be added to the tax or removed from it…

Vietnam finance ministry proposes extending cut to green tax on fuel

the-shiv November 5, 2024

Of note, Vietnam was ranked 180 out of 180 countries in Yale University’s Environmental Performance Index 2024 back in August. Vietnam scored 24.5 points out of 100 with Estonia taking out first place with a score of 75.3.

Cross-border service providers see jump in tax payments in Vietnam year-on-year

the-shiv September 14, 2024

Cross-border service providers that do not have an office in Vietnam have been required to pay tax under Vietnam’s Foreign Contractor Tax regime since 2021. Of note, most of these firms are actually required to open local offices per the Law on Cyber Security, however, few of them have with foreign firms in local offices set to “bear stricter supervision and satisfy more requirements,” according to the Ministry of Information and Communication…

Foreign Contractor Tax in Vietnam 2024

the-shiv September 13, 2024

Foreign Contractor Tax (FCT) is a tax regime in Vietnam that applies to foreign organizations and individuals (referred to as “foreign contractors”) who do not have a permanent establishment in Vietnam but earn income from providing services, supplying goods, or conducting business activities in Vietnam. The FCT combines both Value-Added Tax (VAT) and Corporate Income Tax (CIT) obligations for these foreign entities. The FCT is commonly applied to foreign contractors operating in sectors such as construction, telecommunications, digital services, and e-commerce.

Increase in Vietnam Value-Added Tax-exemption threshold under debate

the-shiv August 25, 2024

The outcome of this debate is unlikely to have any direct impact on foreign invested enterprises in Vietnam, it is, however, worth bearing in mind when considering in small business investments in Vietnam.

Is a Sugar Tax Right for Vietnam?

Mark Barnes July 31, 2024

A sugar tax has been on the cards for Vietnam for some time now and may be drawing closer to becoming a reality. It has, however, been met with broad push back from industry and industry groups. This article looks at the public debate around a possible sugar tax in Vietnam, the impact it might have, and what foreign-owned businesses should be mindful of in this context.

Vietnamese to consume additional 2.56 million litres of soft drink by 2033

the-shiv July 20, 2024

Of note, Vietnam is currently debating adding soft drinks to the list of items subject to the Special Consumption Tax. In the most recent version of a revised SCT, the Ministry of Finance has included a ten percent tax on drinks with 5 grams or more of sugar per 100 millilitres. This legislation, however, is still in its draft stage…

‘Limited investment support’ in Vietnam sees big name FDI go elsewhere: MPI

the-shiv July 4, 2024

This stems from the introduction of the Global Minimum Tax which has seen corporate tax incentives significantly diminished for firms operating in Vietnam. An alternative ‘investment support fund’ has been proposed, however, this is yet to be legislated. A December 2023 draft included financial support for training and reimbursements for research and development conducted in Vietnam…

Vietnam Value Added Tax cut extended to end of the year

the-shiv June 30, 2024

The VAT is normally 10 percent, however, it was reduced during COVID as an economic stimulus measure to 8 percent. But Vietnam’s economic recovery was in large part thwarted, much like in many other countries, by the Ukraine War and the rising fuel prices that came with it. This has led to extensions of the aforementioned VAT cut for the better part of the last four years…

Vietnam floats corporate income tax cuts for small-micro businesses

the-shiv June 22, 2024

Of note, the draft amendments to the Law on Corporate Income Tax do not seem to make a distinction between local and foreign firms. That being the case, foreign-owned small businesses–cafes, bars, gyms, and what not–could also benefit from these changes if passed. That said, there does not seem to be a timeline for a decision as to whether these changes will be approved and go ahead…

Vietnam looking at introducing sugar tax on soft drinks

the-shiv June 15, 2024

Dubbed the ‘sugar tax’ this has been raised several times in the past. The American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam came out against the idea back in 2018 arguing there was no evidence legislating a sugar tax would reduce consumption of sugary drinks. That said, a study on a similar tax in Mexico found that the consumption of sugary beverages fell 6 percent in its first year of implementation…

Vietnam ministry looks to end VAT, import tax exemption on e-commerce imports

the-shiv June 5, 2024

Low-value Chinese-made goods are all over Vietnam’s major e-commerce sites and can be exported from China and arrive in Vietnam very quickly and easily given the two countries are so close. This proximity also means that shipping is relatively cheap too, and in this respect it does seem that the only real difference is that goods from China, with this VAT exemption in mind, are cheaper…

Tax in Vietnam 2024

the-shiv May 25, 2024

There are a number of taxes that foreign business owners in Vietnam should be aware of. Most prominent among them are Vietnam’s Personal Income Tax, Corporate Income Tax, Value Added Tax, and Special Consumption Tax. A basic understanding of these taxes can make dealing with local accountants and tax professionals much easier.

Value Added Tax in Vietnam 2024

the-shiv May 25, 2024

There are a number of taxes that foreign business owners in Vietnam should be aware of. One of these taxes is Vietnam’s value-added tax which is particularly important for foreign retail businesses. With this in mind, this article runs through what this tax is, what it applies to, and the key elements that apply to foreign business persons.

Personal Income Tax in Vietnam 2024

the-shiv May 25, 2024

There are a number of taxes that foreign business owners in Vietnam should be aware of. One of these taxes is Vietnam’s personal income tax which is particularly important for foreign businesses with local employees. With this in mind, this article runs through what this tax is, what it applies, and the key elements that apply to foreign business persons.

Vietnam Special Consumption Tax 2024: Quick Read

the-shiv May 8, 2024

There are a number of taxes that foreign business owners in Vietnam should be aware of. One of these taxes is Vietnam’s special consumption tax which is particularly important for foreign proprietors of businesses like bars and nightclubs, hotels, and retail businesses broadly. With this in mind, this article runs through what this tax is, what it applies, and the key elements that apply to foreign business persons.

HCMC customs steps up action against imports, exports of firms with unpaid taxes

the-shiv March 11, 2024

Specifically, the Ho Chi Minh City Customs Department has stopped import and export procedures for Gia Dinh Textile and Garment Company over VND 100 billion (US$4 million) in unpaid taxes, VN Express is reporting. This is yet another instance of Vietnam customs being used to collect tax debts. At the

Corporate Income Tax in Vietnam 2025

the-shiv January 14, 2024

There are a number of taxes that foreign business owners in Vietnam should be aware of. One of these taxes is Vietnam’s corporate income tax which is particularly important for foreign firms looking to manufacture in Vietnam. With this in mind, this article runs through what this tax is, what it applies, and the key elements that apply to foreign business persons.

Capital Gains Tax in Vietnam 2025

the-shiv January 14, 2024

Capital gains tax in Vietnam–more commonly referred to by its acronym CGT–is a tax on profits earned from the sale or transfer of assets, such as securities, real estate, or capital in a business. The tax applies to both individuals and corporations, but the rates and methods of calculation vary depending on the type of asset and the entity involved. Here are the key details.