I'm not going to post it all here, but the relevant allowances and tax rates are on this page:
Personal Income Tax | The Revenue Department (English Site)
I'm not going to post it all here, but the relevant allowances and tax rates are on this page:
Personal Income Tax | The Revenue Department (English Site)
Again, I am posting for general discussion and some banter in this thread. I am not worried or will fall into a fear trap about this scheme they are attemptimg to implement. They can't even coordinate the immigration process consistently from IO to IO, launching this and managing it?
I haven't kept up, but isn't that what it's really about.
Setting it up, or saying they're going to set it up, in order to get tax from Thais that do work overseas and have overseas income streams.
Then it got out that overseas incomes are going to be taxed for people considered to be living here and a few Whities started jumping up and down and screaming online about how all farangs living here are going to be targeted for tax on their whatever.
Yes, that's exactly what I said in my final sentence.
What most of the Whities don't seem to realize, is that they aren't the main target of the scheme, the main target, and the reason for it apparently being set up, are Thais.
There is a Youtube channel, "Expat Tax Thailand", which has a good explanation of all the allowances and tax brackets etc. From memory most people could earn 500K baht before paying tax, even without Dual Tax Agreements.
I had to get a Thai tax identification number the other week, as my Australian bank was threatening to freeze my accounts if I didn't supply a TIN. The lady there did a quick calculation and told me I wouldn't be paying any tax, but I do have to file a return. That's not something I'm looking forward to, I haven't even done my Aussie tax return yet, due by end of this month !
It clearly does matter who they're targeting.
We all know how long and hard crackdowns are implemented here. Those that have lived here for longer than 4 minutes, anyway.
As the main reasoning for it is to target Thais, it could be a case where foreigners are told to do it, and that's it, perhaps with the odd fine when some bloke drops his cigarette butt on Sukhumvit and they demand his tax docs while they're at it.
Or it could be a case where Immigration get on it and demand Thai tax docs to process everyone's annual extension, no tax docs no annual retirement or spouse/child extension.
Probably something close to the former, for the first few tax years at least.
Might be one of those things like using a VPN in the Emirates.
Everyone does it, no-one cares but if you piss off the wrong person...
Nobody likes Tax, no not the dentally handicapped
But Taxation without benefit, representation, transparency will deter new retirees, for those of us with commitment family , mia nois, dogs, dogs drressed as mia nois we will have to suck it up or leave.
Fortunately for many I doubt I'll live for them to get their ducks in a row.
Some see as unenforceable but if a tax clearance neede to exit or extend visa its the nutlock to use a poker simile.
They can easily "think of a number " with th eonus on us to dispute it , embassy wont help with letters so apostille's certified translations been through all that before , not complex just time consuming.
.......Quote:
Recent discussions around a possible negative income tax (NIT) system in Thailand have caused ripples of concern among expatriate communities. However, it's essential to understand that these developments are still in the discussion phase, and any legislative changes are not imminent.
The concept of NIT is being examined by some factions within the Thai government but translating such discussions into law will take considerable time, writes Barry Kenyon for Pattaya Mail
Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat, a supporter of NIT, has indicated that formal implementation might be several years away. At present, there is no concrete framework or schedule for its introduction, warranting a cautious approach rather than alarm.
The fundamental idea behind NIT is to provide financial assistance to individuals who earn below a minimum income level set by the government. This assistance would come in the form of cash subsidies, intended to help groups such as the elderly, unemployed, and those living on marginal incomes.
Payments would likely be managed through digital platforms like Paotong and other e-wallet systems, streamlining the process. However, significant details, such as income thresholds and eligibility criteria, are yet to be fleshed out.
Often referred to as "workfare," NIT implies that every Thai citizen earning even a minimal amount must register with the Thai Revenue Department and submit annual tax returns. This would bring into the fold many low-income workers, like street vendors and massage therapists, who currently exist outside formal taxation.
Over time, as incomes increase, these individuals might become taxpayers rather than benefit recipients, which illustrates a broader governmental objective.
The real purpose behind NIT is to substantially increase Thailand's taxpayer base, which currently stands at less than 30%. Given that Thailand is on the brink of becoming a super-aged society, expanding tax contributions is viewed as essential for maintaining social security systems without straining resources.
Despite these discussions, the introduction of NIT in Thailand is far from a certainty. Implementing such a system would require significant budget allocations and mark a shift towards more centralised control over the population's finances.
Critics often argue that the NIT model suits more advanced economies and may not be suitable for a developing country like Thailand.
For expatriates in Thailand, the implications of a potential NIT system remain entirely speculative. The "crunch time," when such policies may come into effect, is still several years off, and any impacts on expats, if they occur, are yet to be determined.
Until more concrete information emerges, expatriates should remain observant but not overly concerned about these developments. The key is to stay informed and prepared for any changes that may come in the distant future.