Expat Tax: Frequently Asked Questions
Thank you for visiting our Thailand Expat Tax FAQ page. We answer questions received from expats, anonymised for privacy, to help others navigate the new tax rules.
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Tax Advisory Disclaimer
The information on this website is for informational purposes only and is not professional tax advice. For full details, please consult our complete Tax Advisory Disclaimer.
You must keep records for up to five years. Ensure all documentation is in Thai or English for compliance purposes.
The department accepts documents in Thai or English. Certification depends on the nature of the claim, but clear records, including bank statements, are essential for audits (up to five years).
It is the responsibility of the individual tax payer to prove that their assets are not taxable.
It is best to keep as many records as possible. It is very important to keep a record of every transaction that is sent across and where the funds are from initially. (what is the source of the funds) It is advisable to set up accounts for different types of assets, as it will be easier for you to keep track and file properly once remitted into Thailand if non-taxable and taxable assets are kept separately.
Read our article on the best practices for keeping tax records for more information.
In Thailand, intentionally avoiding tax payments or falsely claiming refunds is considered a significant violation. Those found guilty of tax evasion can face criminal penalties, including a jail term of three months to seven years and fines from 2,000 to 200,000 Baht. Financial penalties can be 200% of the tax evaded and interest of 1.5% a month. Our advice is to stay fully compliant and within the rules.
If you don’t pay taxes owed in Thailand, you may face serious consequences, including fines, penalties, and interest on unpaid taxes. The Thai Revenue Department has the authority to conduct audits and investigations into tax evasion. Failure to comply with tax obligations can lead to legal action, including criminal charges, which might result in imprisonment. Additionally, non-payment can damage your credit rating and hinder your ability to conduct business in Thailand, as it reflects negatively on your financial responsibility and legal compliance.
Yes, Australia and Thailand have a tax treaty, formally known as the Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income. This agreement is designed to prevent double taxation and fiscal evasion, making it easier for individuals and businesses to operate between the two countries by clarifying the tax obligations for income earned in either country. This treaty covers various forms of income, including dividends, interest, and royalties, and establishes the taxing rights of each country to ensure taxpayers are not taxed twice on the same income.