Expat Tax: Frequently Asked Questions

Thailand’s tax system operates primarily on a territorial basis, taxing individuals and entities on income derived from within the country, whilst foreign-sourced income is taxed only if remitted into Thailand in the same year it is earned. The system encompasses a range of taxes including personal income tax, which is progressive and ranges from 0% to 35% based on income levels; corporate income tax at a standard rate of 20% for companies; value-added tax (VAT) at a standard rate of 7% applied to most goods and services; specific business taxes on certain industries like banking, insurance, and real estate; and customs duties on imported goods. Other taxes include property tax, stamp duties, and withholding taxes on certain types of payments to non-residents. Tax incentives and exemptions are available for investments in specific sectors or regions, as guided by the Board of Investment. Compliance with Thailand’s tax laws requires careful navigation of its rules and regulations, including the filing of annual tax returns.

Learn more about the Thailand Revenue Department’s announcements on foreign sourced income here

The conservative approach to gift assets is to give the assets overseas to the recipient, draw up a gift document demonstrating that the gift will not be returned, and get this notarised by a lawyer in the country the gift was given in. Once this is done, translate the document into Thai and get this held on file. Then, have the person that the gift is given to remit the funds into Thailand. It is recommended that if you are to gift assets, you seek advice as it is more complicated than simply sending money to a third party.

Thailand is not a tax-free country; it operates a comprehensive taxation system encompassing both direct and indirect taxes. Direct taxes include personal income tax, which is progressive and ranges from 0% to 35% depending on the income level, and corporate income tax, generally set at 20% for most companies. Indirect taxes involve Value-Added Tax (VAT), currently at 7%, and specific business taxes on certain transactions. Non-residents are subject to tax on income derived from Thai sources, while residents are taxed on their worldwide income, subject to certain conditions and exemptions. Thailand also implements double taxation agreements with numerous countries to prevent double taxation of income earned in one country by a resident of another.

Learn more about the Thailand Revenue Department’s announcements on foreign sourced income here

The income tax structure in Thailand is progressive, meaning that the rate of taxation increases as income increases. Individuals earning income in Thailand, including foreigners residing in Thailand for more than 180 days a year, are subject to this tax. The rates start at 0% for annual incomes up to 150,000 baht, and increase through several brackets to a maximum of 35% for incomes over 5 million baht. Other than the standard deductions and allowances for personal, spousal, and child care, there are also deductions for expenses such as health insurance, education, and donations to charity. This system aims to balance the tax burden across different income levels while providing incentives for social and personal investments.

You can find out more about Thailand’s tax rates, allowances and deductions here or if you prefer to listen to a short podcast here

In Thailand, your personal income tax is calculated based on a progressive tax rate system, where the amount of tax you owe increases as your income rises. This system is divided into several tax bands, each with its own rate ranging from 0% to 35%. Your annual income is assessed and placed into these bands, with each portion of your income within a specific band being taxed at that band’s rate. Deductions and allowances, such as those for personal and dependent allowances, are subtracted from your gross income to determine your taxable income. This taxable income is then used to calculate the total amount of tax you owe by applying the corresponding tax rate for each portion of your income that falls within the different tax bands.

You can find out more about Thailand’s tax rates, allowances and deductions here or if you prefer to listen to a short podcast here

In Thailand, foreigners are subject to taxation based on their residency status and the source of their income. Expatriates who reside in Thailand for a period of 180 days or more within a calendar year are considered tax residents and are obligated to pay tax on overseas income they bring into Thailand. Conversely, expatriates who stay in Thailand for 179 days or less within a calendar year are only required to pay tax on the income that is sourced within Thailand. The applicable income tax rates are progressive, ranging from 0% to 35%, depending on the amount of taxable income. It is imperative for expatriates to ensure compliance with Thai tax laws to avoid legal complications and penalties.

Learn more about the Thailand Revenue Department’s announcements on foreign sourced income here

In Thailand, the income tax rate for expatriates, much like for local residents, is based on a progressive scale, starting at 0% for those earning up to 150,000 baht and can rise up to 35% for incomes exceeding 5 million baht. Expatriates are considered tax residents if they spend 180 days or more in Thailand within a tax year, which runs from 1 January to 31 December, and are then taxed on their income derived from Thai sources and foreign sourced income remitted to Thailand.

You can find out more about Thailand’s tax rates, allowances and deductions here or if you prefer to listen to a short podcast here

In Thailand, the personal tax allowance system incorporates a range of deductions and allowances aimed at reducing taxable income for individuals, including both residents and foreign residents. Standard allowances include personal and spouse allowances of 60,000 Baht each, provided the spouse does not file their own return. Additionally, there is a 30,000 Baht allowance for each child, with an extra 30,000 Baht for the second child born in or after 2018. Deductions for the care of dependent parents or a disabled or incapacitated person offer 30,000 Baht and 60,000 Baht respectively. For employment income, a standard deduction of 50% up to 100,000 Baht is permitted. Other specific deductions cover life and health insurance premiums, contributions to retirement and savings funds, mortgage interest, and charitable contributions, among others. Notably, the system also allows for tax deductions related to health insurance premiums, including premiums for the taxpayer and their parents, with varying limits. The detailed structuring of these allowances and deductions is designed to offer tax relief based on personal circumstances and financial commitments.

In Thailand, the 2024 tax exemption threshold is ฿150,000 for both residents and non-residents. Tax rates range from 5% to 35% for income above this level. A standard personal allowance of THB60,000 also applies. Thai tax residency is generally determined by physical presence, with those staying in Thailand for 180 days or more in a tax year typically qualifying as residents.

You can find out more about Thailand’s tax rates, allowances and deductions here or if you prefer to listen to a short podcast here

Starting in 2024, Thailand requires foreign retirees who are tax residents (those staying more than 179 days in a year) to pay taxes on foreign-earned income remitted to Thailand, with rates ranging from 0% to 35% based on the progressive personal income tax scale. This change, which includes pensions, may see taxes levied on these incomes, although Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs) between Thailand and many countries can mitigate this, potentially meaning any tax already paid can be credited against any income tax due. Notably, income accumulated in savings in the bank before moving to Thailand won’t be taxed if it was before the individual became a tax resident. Given the complexity of these new regulations, it’s advisable for foreign retirees to consult with tax professionals to navigate these changes efficiently and ensure compliance with Thai tax laws.

You can find out more about Thailand’s tax rates, allowances and deductions here or if you prefer to listen to a short podcast here

The conservative approach to gift assets is to give the assets overseas to the recipient, draw up a gift document demonstrating that the gift will not be returned, and get this notarised by a lawyer in the country the gift was given in. Once this is done, translate the document into Thai and get this held on file. Then, have the person that the gift is given to remit the funds into Thailand. It is recommended that if you are to gift assets, you seek advice as it is more complicated than simply sending money to a third party.

In Thailand, the tax implications of selling a house can vary based on several factors, including the duration of ownership and the type of property. Generally, sellers are subject to several potential taxes: Transfer Fee (2% of the registered value), Stamp Duty (0.5% unless exempt, in which case a Specific Business Tax of 3.3% applies), Withholding Tax (calculated at a flat rate of 15% of the assessed or actual selling price for corporations, or under a progressive income tax rate for individuals), and Capital Gains Tax, which is often considered under the Withholding Tax for individuals. The exact tax liability can depend on whether the seller is a company or an individual, the length of property ownership, and any applicable exemptions or deductions. It’s advisable for sellers to consult with a tax professional to understand their specific tax obligations and potential exemptions that may apply to their situation.