Vietnam stands to benefit from new OECD tax rules

The OECD and the G20 released a new blueprint for taxing the digital economy, which would allow countries like Vietnam to tax elusive multinational enterprises.
vietnam stands to benefit from new oecd tax rules
Dean Rolfe, tax partner at KPMG

The reach of the internet and its integration into the lives of everyone in Vietnam is clear. Vietnamese citizens have long enjoyed the freedom to connect to the internet through a range of "smart" devices that are transforming everyday lives. As we all know, it is now possible to shop from the comfort of our living rooms, work from home, advertise and promote our business interests, find employment opportunities online, purchase transport services, and watch and listen to media and music from all over the world.

However, many of these service providers are not based in Vietnam and are beyond the reach of Vietnamese taxation. While this may be a controversial fact, this position is based on long agreed international tax rules which require a physical presence in a country like Vietnam to exist before a taxing nexus is created. Such rules are protected by international tax agreements which Vietnam adopted long ago.

What is the OECD proposing?

Recognising these shortcomings, and in response to pressure to develop new tax rules to address new business models, the OECD and the G20 have been busy developing new rules to address this obvious gap.

The OECD blueprint on Pillar One which was released in October is 232 pages, while long, encapsulates a relatively simple idea. The idea is to allocate taxing rights between jurisdictions to allow places like Vietnam to tax the business profits of a digital business which is not located in Vietnam.

Very broadly speaking, the proposed rules would allow Vietnam to expand its taxing rights under international laws where users of Automated Digital Services (ADS) are located. ADS is defined to include the provision of a digital service over the internet or other electronic network with minimal human involvement. That is to say, the existing rules relating to physical presence will be changed in recognition of the fact that physical presence is not needed for the provision of ADS.

The physical presence requirement for taxation would be replaced with new rules based on the source of the revenue like the internet address of the end-user. This would allow Vietnam to tax revenues which are generated from sales to Vietnamese end users.

When will this occur?

The initial timeline for a contemplated agreement between participating members (which includes Vietnam) was targeted for the end of 2020, but the stated goal of the Inclusive Framework is now to “bring the process to a successful conclusion by mid-2021” because of unforeseen delays caused by COVID-19.

Has this been agreed?

No. This is just a blueprint for consideration, discussion, and ideally future political agreement between the participating jurisdictions. International consensus has not been achieved and much work is still needed to address remaining issues and areas of concern. In any case, the final adoption of these measures is likely to be some years away, even if an international consensus is ultimately reached in 2021 or beyond.

Source: VIR
www.vir.com.vn

Related News

Promoting Vietnam-Laos Customs cooperation

Promoting Vietnam-Laos Customs cooperation

VCN - On November 19, 2024, in Hanoi, Vietnam Customs held the Vietnam - Laos Customs Directors General Conference.
Vietnam’s exports to the U.S. near US$100 billion milestone

Vietnam’s exports to the U.S. near US$100 billion milestone

VCN - By the end of October, Vietnam's exports to the United States approached US$100 billion, reaffirming its position as Vietnam's largest export market.
U.S. Treasury continues to affirm Vietnam does not manipulate currency

U.S. Treasury continues to affirm Vietnam does not manipulate currency

VCN - In its latest report, the U.S. Department of the Treasury has positively assessed Vietnam's monetary policy, reaffirming that Vietnam does not engage in currency manipulation.
Vietnamese passion fruit gets “great opportunities” to Australia

Vietnamese passion fruit gets “great opportunities” to Australia

VCN - Vietnamese passion fruit having been exported to twenty countries, in many forms such as fresh fruit, frozen fruit, juice, recently Vietnamese passion fruit continues to be licensed to export to the Australian market. Thus, after mango, longan, lychee, dragon fruit, passion fruit is the 5th product of Vietnam licensed to export to the Australian market.

Latest News

VN

VN's food processing industry struggles to improve quality and value chain integration

Despite accounting for 19.1 per cent of Việt Nam’s processing sector, the food processing industry has been struggling with major issues such as poor-quality raw materials and subpar value chain integration, said industry insiders and economists.
Approach strategy of the seafood industry when implementing UKVFTA

Approach strategy of the seafood industry when implementing UKVFTA

VCN - As one of Vietnam's strong export industries to the UK, especially when the Vietnam - United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Free Trade Agreement (UKVFTA) comes into effect, with a detailed information approach strategy, it has created a great driving force to promote the export of Vietnamese seafood products to this market.
Mid-November: Vietnam

Mid-November: Vietnam's trade volume matches 2023 total, eyes record-breaking growth

VCN - By mid-November 2024, Vietnam's total import-export turnover reached an impressive US$681.48 billion, equaling the full-year trade figure for 2023
Vietnamese enterprises facing challenges from cross-border e-commerce platforms

Vietnamese enterprises facing challenges from cross-border e-commerce platforms

VCN – In recent years, with the rapid development of cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) platforms, domestic enterprises in Vietnam have been facing numerous difficulties and challenges.

More News

Vietnam, Malaysia eye new milestone in trade ties

Vietnam, Malaysia eye new milestone in trade ties

The official visit to Malaysia from November 21-23 by Party General Secretary To Lam is expected to open up new opportunities for and mark a new milestone in the economic and trade cooperation between Vietnam and Malaysia. Vietnam and Malaysia are key economic, trade, and investment partners. Their economic and trade ties have steadily grown since the two nations established diplomatic relations in 1973.
Shrimp exports surge in 10 months, generating 3.2 billion USD

Shrimp exports surge in 10 months, generating 3.2 billion USD

Vietnam’s shrimp exports in October reached US$394 million, a strong 24% increase year-on-year, according to the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).
From the “abnormal” coffee price, worries about the new crop

From the “abnormal” coffee price, worries about the new crop

VCN - The Vietnamese coffee industry enters the new crop with the question of what is a reasonable price to ensure benefits for coffee growers while still retaining international consumers.
What obstacles limit the market share of Vietnamese goods in the UK?

What obstacles limit the market share of Vietnamese goods in the UK?

VCN - Vietnamese goods account for only about 1% of total imports into the UK market. One of the reasons is that they have not yet built their own brands and have not focused on effective strategies and approaches to market information.
Why seafood exports to some Middle Eastern Countries are stalled

Why seafood exports to some Middle Eastern Countries are stalled

VCN - Several shipments of seafood exported to certain Middle Eastern countries have been delayed due to legal challenges related to consular legalization procedures. This has created significant bottlenecks in accessing these markets.
Storm No. 3 destroys profits of many insurance companies

Storm No. 3 destroys profits of many insurance companies

VCN - Due to the impact of storm No. 3, the business results of the third quarter and the first 9 months of 2024 of the insurance sector have been significantly affected. This requires more efforts from businesses for the results of the whole year 2024.
Vietnam, Malaysia eye golden partnership opportunities in Halal industry

Vietnam, Malaysia eye golden partnership opportunities in Halal industry

Cooperation in the Halal industry can help Vietnamese products reach nearly 2 billion Muslim consumers worldwide, representing over 24% of the global population, according to Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry Zafrul Abdul Aziz.
Tra fish sector aiming for production, processing greening for sustainable development

Tra fish sector aiming for production, processing greening for sustainable development

Greening production and processing to meet export requirements is both a trend and a necessity for many industries, including the tra fish sector.
Developing supporting industries for the billion-dollar export commodity groups

Developing supporting industries for the billion-dollar export commodity groups

VCN - Electronic products and components are one of export commodity groups with turnover exceeding one billion USD, but the supporting industry for this group is still modest.
Read More

Your care

Latest Most read
VN

VN's food processing industry struggles to improve quality and value chain integration

Despite accounting for 19.1 per cent of Việt Nam’s processing sector, the food processing industry has been struggling with major issues such as poor-quality raw materials and subpar value chain integration, said industry insiders and economists.
Approach strategy of the seafood industry when implementing UKVFTA

Approach strategy of the seafood industry when implementing UKVFTA

VCN - Mr. Nguyen Hoai Nam, Deputy General Secretary, Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), said that the advantage that UKVFTA brings is that the main products of the seafood industry enjoy 0% import tax to the UK, especially key
Mid-November: Vietnam

Mid-November: Vietnam's trade volume matches 2023 total, eyes record-breaking growth

By mid-November 2024, Vietnam's total import-export turnover reached an impressive US$681.48 billion, equaling the full-year trade figure for 2023
Vietnamese enterprises facing challenges from cross-border e-commerce platforms

Vietnamese enterprises facing challenges from cross-border e-commerce platforms

VCN - E-commerce platforms have emerged as crucial distribution channels, enabling goods to reach consumers quickly and conveniently.
Vietnam, Malaysia eye new milestone in trade ties

Vietnam, Malaysia eye new milestone in trade ties

The official visit to Malaysia from November 21-23 by Party General Secretary To Lam is expected to open up new opportunities for and mark a new milestone in the economic and trade cooperation between Vietnam and Malaysia. Vietnam and Malaysia are key economic, trade, and investment partners. Their economic and trade ties have steadily grown since the two nations established diplomatic relations in 1973.
Mobile Version