HCMC – Vietnam is preparing to mandate that e-commerce platforms, including foreign operators, pay taxes on behalf of sellers under the proposed amendments to the Law on Tax Administration.
The draft law, which is set for a National Assembly vote on November 29, would take effect on January 1, 2025, if approved. The amendments aim to simplify tax compliance in Vietnam’s rapidly growing digital economy.
Foreign providers without a permanent physical presence in Vietnam would be required to register a tax code and file for taxes directly or through authorized agents. For local sellers and household businesses, e-commerce platforms would manage tax filings and payments on their behalf.
Tax authorities anticipate that this measure will reduce the administrative burden by centralizing tax reporting through platforms. The Ministry of Finance expects the approach to lower compliance costs across the economy while ensuring better enforcement of tax obligations.
The proposal is part of a broader set of amendments to various laws, including those regulating securities, accounting, and personal income tax. The changes also clarify the responsibilities of non-resident taxpayers and establish specific procedures for e-commerce transactions.
The draft law was reviewed by the National Assembly Standing Committee on November 19 and is now under consideration for final approval.
