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.

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: Quick Read

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: Quick Read

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.

Corporate Income Tax in Vietnam 2024: Quick Read

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 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.

Personal Income Tax in Vietnam 2024: Quick Read

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 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 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

Global Minimum Tax ‘not a risk’ for Vietnam FDI: Economist

the-shiv January 11, 2024

VinaCapital has released an Economist’s Note Looking Ahead at 2024, in which the firm’s Chief Economist, Michael Kokalari, says the introduction of the global minimum tax should have limited impact on Vietnam’s FDI inflows. His key points are Vietnam will find away to work around it and rebate some of

Vietnam issues draft decree re: global minimum tax support fund

the-shiv December 27, 2023

Vietnam’s Ministry of Planning and Investment has released a draft decree outlining the establishment of a support fund to compensate foreign firms subjected to the Global Minimum Tax initiative, The Investor is reporting. Key points The fund will support businesses making high-tech goods or applying advanced technology in their operations

European insurance firm predicts Vietnam top-up tax to have minimal impact on FDI

the-shiv December 7, 2023

Vietnam’s recently passed top-up tax, a response to the Global Minimum Tax, should not impact how attractive Vietnam is to foreign firms, according to Raphaël Cecchi, an analyst with European credit insurer, Credendo. It may, however, “slightly hit Vietnam’s reputation” as a low-tax jurisdiction for foreign firms, he says. He

Car sales decline sees budget revenues slashed in northern Vietnam province

the-shiv December 6, 2023

Last year, Vietnam’s Quang Nam province recorded tax revenue of VND 31,781 billion (US$1.3 billion), however, this year it is expected to record tax revenue of just VND 23,951 (US$986 million), Tuoi Tre is reporting. This has been attributed to a substantially reduced contribution from automaker Truong Hai Group, which

Vietnam’s value-added tax reduction extended

the-shiv November 29, 2023

A 2 percent reduction in Vietnam’s value-added tax has been extended to June next year, VTV is reporting. The stimulus measure first introduced during COVID has been extended multiple times as Vietnam’s economy first struggled to recover from the pandemic and is now battling a greater global economic downturn.

Global Minimum Tax legislation passed in Vietnam, to start Jan 2024

the-shiv November 29, 2023

A top-up tax has been approved by Vietnam’s National Assembly and will see corporate income taxes raised to a minimum of 15 percent in the country, Reuters is reporting. This will take effect from January 1 next year. Legislation set to provide alternative benefits to corporate firms operating in the

Decrease in Vietnam’s personal income tax collection recorded

the-shiv November 21, 2023

Vietnam’s personal income tax receipts in the first nine months of this year were down VND 7.2 trillion (US$299 million) over the same period last year, Tuoi Tre is reporting. The article goes on to say this is due to a reduction in real estate transfer taxes which are included

Vietnam stands to make US$600 million in tax revenue from GMT in 2024

the-shiv November 13, 2023

If a Global Minimum Tax comes into force in all OECD member states from the start of 2024, and Vietnam has a top-up tax in place, the country could benefit to the tune of US$600 million in increased tax revenue a government report has found, The Investor is reporting. In