Recognition of the Tax Sector’s Achievements
According to Minister Nguyễn Văn Thắng, in 2024, despite complex global developments, the strong leadership of the Party, State, and active cooperation with ministries and sectors helped the economy and society of Vietnam achieve many remarkable milestones. The legal system continued to improve, macroeconomics remained stable, and inflation was controlled. This achievement can be attributed to the proactive contributions of the staff of the General Department of Taxation.
Minister Nguyễn Văn Thắng praised the revenue collection results managed by the tax authorities, noting that for the first time, the tax revenue exceeded 1.7 trillion VND. The sector’s digital transformation efforts continued to make strong progress with the implementation of tax applications aimed at taxpayers. Additionally, revenue from e-commerce tax collection grew significantly, reaching 116 trillion VND, a 20% increase compared to the same period last year, with 120 foreign suppliers registering, declaring, and paying taxes through the electronic portal.
“I acknowledge and highly appreciate the efforts and dedication of the staff of the General Department of Taxation in carrying out their tasks in 2024, with many remarkable results,” emphasized Minister Nguyễn Văn Thắng.
Notably, the Minister pointed out that in 2024, the Tax Sector implemented vigorous measures to collect overdue tax debts and other tasks such as tax inspection and international cooperation, achieving positive results.
“To achieve such results, besides the management and direction from the Government, the Ministry of Finance, and the General Department of Taxation, continuous efforts have been made to create a fair and healthy business environment, ensure social security, protect consumers, and facilitate trade. These efforts aim to unlock resources to promote economic and social development while ensuring strict tax management and increasing state budget revenue,” affirmed Minister Nguyễn Văn Thắng.
Despite the positive results, Minister Nguyễn Văn Thắng acknowledged some existing challenges and shortcomings. The tax policy system still contains inconsistencies, lacks synchronization, and does not align closely with actual conditions, causing difficulties in implementation. The tax sector’s IT system, which has been in operation for several years, needs upgrading to meet current development needs. Furthermore, the working environment, IT infrastructure, and management staff skills are still insufficient.
The Minister also pointed to the significant level of outstanding tax debts, tax evasion, invoice fraud, VAT refund fraud, and transfer pricing, which undermine fairness in taxpayers’ tax obligations and the integrity of the business environment, especially in multinational tech businesses in Vietnam. Many instances of tax avoidance or deliberate violations of regulations persist, and there has been no significant improvement in compliance, voluntary compliance, or legal responsibility regarding tax obligations.
“In the coming years, the tax sector will face enormous challenges, such as: global geopolitical volatility, the risk of a prolonged global economic recession, which will pose numerous challenges to the Tax Sector, especially in ensuring state budget revenue. Tax violations continue to evolve, with more sophisticated and newer methods emerging,” emphasized the Minister.
Key Tasks for 2025
In 2025, the global economic context presents unpredictable developments and significant challenges. Now more than ever, the tax sector must strive to simplify procedures, enhance efforts to combat tax loss, maximize trade facilitation, and ensure economic security. Minister Nguyễn Văn Thắng outlined several key tasks for the Tax Sector in the coming period:
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Adhere to guidance from the Party, Government, and Ministry of Finance: Focus on implementing key tasks in the financial sector, particularly tax-related tasks. Continue promoting the implementation of the 2021-2030 Tax System Development Strategy, focusing on building an electronic tax system to manage taxes in the digital economy, with the aim of modernizing the Tax Sector to align with developed countries.
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Review and propose amendments to tax laws: Review, propose amendments, and complete the legal framework to align with the new organizational model and management requirements. Actively implement the approved legal framework development program, ensuring progress and quality, especially the completion of the Tax Administration Law and amendments to tax laws (such as personal income tax, special consumption tax, corporate income tax, etc.).
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Streamline and restructure the organization: Implement the Party, State, and Ministry of Finance’s policy on restructuring the tax sector to make it more professional, modern, and aligned with the requirements for sectoral reform. Ensure that the new organizational structure operates smoothly without disruption to business operations and daily activities.
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Achieve state budget revenue targets: Aim to meet the 2025 state budget revenue goals, with all 63 provinces meeting or exceeding their revenue targets. Advise the Ministry of Finance and the Government on budget management and ensure the 2021-2025 goals are achieved. Review and propose the 2026-2030 budget plans.
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Strengthen tax management and identify new sources of revenue: Ensure the effective collection and management of tax sources, especially in areas like e-commerce, and identify potential new revenue streams.
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Combat tax fraud and ensure compliance: Intensify efforts to combat invoice fraud and VAT refund fraud. Strengthen inspections and cooperate with relevant authorities, especially the police, in investigating and prosecuting violations. Build a fair business environment for compliant taxpayers and foster confidence in the investment and business community.
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Promote digital transformation: Focus on implementing digital transformation plans, reforming administrative procedures, and modernizing tax processes to align with the increasing complexity of the tax management environment.
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Enhance taxpayer support and communication: Improve communication methods to ensure timely, clear, and easily understandable information is provided to taxpayers.
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Restructure the staff and improve evaluation methods: Revamp the staffing structure, improve staff assessment, and create necessary incentives to attract and retain talented and dedicated employees. Ensure continuous professional development to build a highly capable and responsible tax workforce.
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Promote cost-saving and anti-waste measures: Ensure efficient management and use of resources to avoid financial and public asset waste, following the principles outlined by the Party, Government, and the Prime Minister.
“The tasks ahead for the tax sector are still very demanding. I urge all colleagues to continue building on the results achieved, address the shortcomings, and fulfill the tasks assigned for 2025 and the 2021-2025 period. The Ministry of Finance will continue to facilitate and support the Tax Sector in its efforts,” affirmed Minister Nguyễn Văn Thắng.
