Extension in tax payment and even exemption from late payment fees by Covid-19

Removing difficulties for taxpayers affected by Covid-19.

According to the newly issued guidelines of the tax authorities, in order to extend the tax payment deadline and receive an exemption from late tax payment fines, enterprises must prove they have suffered "material damage which directly affects production and business due to natural disasters, fires, or unexpected accident.”

The tax authorities define the case of "material damage" as property losses such as machines, equipment, vehicles, supplies, goods, workshops, workplaces, money, or valuable papers.

The "unexpected accident" is a sudden occurrence that happens unexpectedly to taxpayers, caused by an external factor that directly affects production and business. These cases, in addition to situations such as traffic accidents or serious illnesses, among others, also include "infectious epidemics at the announced area of ​​epidemics or other force majeure cases."

In order to enjoy the policy, the taxpayer has to make and send a dossier of request for tax payment extension to their direct tax administration agency, including a written request for tax payment extension, a stocktaking record, an evaluation of material damage, and a written certification from the police office or People's Committee of the commune, ward, or the management board of the industrial park or export processing zone. In addition, taxpayers should send any additional compensation file (if any) confirmed by the insurance agency.

In case of seeking exemption from late tax payment, the taxpayer must also submit a written request and a written certification of the extent of the property damage to the competent agency.