Question 1

Does the Thai Revenue Department consider remitted funds that have been through the overseas tax process already to be tax free in Thailand?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

If tax is paid in overseas jurisdiction and then funds are transferred into Thailand, it does not mean that Thailand does not have the right to tax this asset. If the country’s Double Taxation Agreement states that there is no right for Thailand to tax the asset, then it may not be taxable. If that is not the case, and the Double Taxation Agreement says they ‘may’ or ‘potentially’ taxed in that jurisdiction, Thailand can tax you according to Thai foreign-sourced income tax rules. You may be able to use any tax paid as a credit against some of the tax that is owed. Therefore, this does not mean that you do not have to file, and you may potentially still be liable to be taxed in Thailand.

Learn more about Double Tax Agreements for expats in Thailand by watching our video here.

Question 2

I am moving to Thailand later this year in 2024. I have a business in Australia which will provide me a regular passive income weekly for me while I live in Thailand. My income will be automatically taxed and sent to the Australian Tax Office and my tax return will be done in Australia.    As there is a DTA between the two countries will I have pay any tax to the Thai government? I assume not with a DTA as long as I declare with the Thai TAX Office I've paid tax on the money already

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

If you transfer in the overseas income, this is assessable income. You can use the tax credits for tax paid already on this potentially and you will have to file a tax return. Our Assisted Tax Filing Service is the most suitable for you.

For more information on the Australia-Thailand DTA and other tax planning information for Australians watch our webinar here.

Question 3

How does the Germany–Thailand DTA protect me from double taxation?

Chas Begley · Accepted Answer

The DTA sets out which country has the right to tax different income streams. For example:

Government service pensions are generally taxed in Germany only.
Private pensions, employment income, and investments may be taxed in Thailand if you are a Thai tax resident and remit the income into Thailand.
If both countries tax the same income, Thailand generally grants a foreign tax credit for taxes already paid in Germany

For further details on the Thailand–Germany Double Tax Agreement and tailored strategies for German expats, please view our full webinar recording

Double Taxation Agreement (DTA)

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