JimGant

OK, I'll drop arguing about IRAs. But, I'll still use my own logic in interpreting Por 162 when I file (or don't file) my Thai taxes. I think the effect of Por 162 is still sorting out.... For example: What about the near-liquid money market account and the CDs I had on Dec 31 2023? Their value on that date, converted to cash and wired to Thailand post 2023 -- would logically fall under Por 162 (in my mind, anyway). But the guidance from the Webinar, about "only capital for bank accounts or cash accounts" -- seems to not allow this. However, I bet if you asked someone with decision making authority -- and a brain -- at TRD about this, they would not restrict Por 162 to "bank accounts or cash accounts." I'll throw in, "what about the money in my mattress on Dec 31 2023?" Anyway, when specifics aren't (yet) codified, take the road that's to your advantage. In the minuscule chance you're audited -- if you have a sound, non frivolous argument, as in the above -- worst that can happen, I believe, would be back taxes plus interest. Worth it, IMO.

You tell 'em. First, let's assume you're an honest US Citizen, so you declare your Thai interest from your Thai bank account on your annual US tax filing. Let's say your average amount in the bank is $25000 (850k bt). Based on what Bangkok Bank paid me last year on my savings account interest (.40%) -- that would be $100 in annual interest income to report on my US 1040 tax return. So, that's what you report on Schedule B of the 1040. Or, you don't, 'cause you have no taxable income (standard deduction greater than gross income). Or you don't, 'cause you're dishonest. In any of these situations, it won't matter that Uncle Sam knows you have a Thai bank account, because under FATCA, there's no reporting on aggregated accounts under $50000 at year end ($75000 any time during the year), so in my example, nothing about your account will be forwarded to the US. But, of course, if you have well over $50000 in Thai bank accounts, and you don't report the interest on these on your US tax filing -- that's why FATCA came about. So, yeah, if you're a tax evader, best not give your SSN to the Thai bank. But, if honest, what's the big deal....?

I guess I misinterpreted this: Sounds clueless to me.

So, a bank letter is also required with electronic filing? And this bank letter is what -- your Thai bank's report of all annual remittances received? (That's probably been reported somewhere, but I must have missed it.)

I'm a little confused.... Did you voluntarily submit supporting documents/bank statements -- or was this a requirement of this office? Did you advise the head of the dept that his subordinates didn't have a clue....?

I suggest most of us reading this aren't spring chickens anymore; moved to Thailand several years ago, settling in with their then, or now, Thai spouse; no longer have a house back in home country; have a home here in Thailand; and, for all these reasons, ain't flexible enough to become vagabonds, and jump country every 179 days, to avoid a potential tax hit.

You're talking about your Thai bank statement, listing all your remittances? You mean you expect to have a meaningful conversation with the agent of the day, explaining : This remittance represents non assessable income, because it is a pension from govt services, and the DTA says it's exempt. Watch his Oriental eyes glaze over. But, then, show him your direct deposit Social Security remittance -- also exempt by your DTA -- which this agent wouldn't have the slightest knowledge of. Then, of these remittances are from pre 2024 income, thus exempt by Por 162 (by this time, his eyes have glazed closed). No, sitting down with a lower level TRD agent, with your bank statement showing un explained remittances, would be ludicrous. Even if you had your home country statements, where you could show remittances originated from a pre 2024 savings account, or from an account solely devoted to your military pension, or even more confusing, from a pre 2024 brokerage account. Good luck with any of this. No, I don't think this would replace self assessment. Should something look way out of line, in a random assessment of returns somewhere down the line -- then bring in your bank statements for a chat. But, no way will filing in person at TRD require, nor be manageable, going thru this drill. Being able to file electronically already substantiates such action would be senseless.

Agree, but would go one step more -- I have the right to remain silent about any assessable income that does not exceed TEDA, plus the 150k zero bracket. Why? Because in this scenario, I would owe no taxes, so would not be evading taxation by not filing a tax return. Yes, there are those arbitrary 60/120/220k thresholds that require you to file, if your assessable income exceeds such. But, as Ben Hart, in his recent Integrity Legal video, points out: Just where in Thai tax Code is this stipulated? (He also says, no need to get a TIN where there's nothing in the Code requiring such.) But even if he's wrong, it seems a simple matter to decide on filing a tax return, or not: -- If you have assessable remitted income exceeding TEDA plus the zero tax bracket, you have taxable income and must file a tax return (as penalties for tax evasion can be severe). Absolutely no rational argument against that. -- But, if you have no taxable income (TEDA/zero bracket exceed assessable income), then don't file a tax return. (If Ben Hart is wrong about filing thresholds, worst case --2000bt fine.) -- By not filing, not getting a TIN -- 'cause you have no taxable income - you're off the TRD radar, so there's absolutely nothing being indicated by a non existent tax return to attract their attention to you. You don't exist to the TRD, and their data base. jBest case, no? So, your assessable income doesn't reach the level of becoming taxable -- so you don't file. What could possibly happen to you? Well, if TRD is smart, and knows they have to manage scarce resoures -- they'll only consider folks with very large remittances for potential audits. And even here they'll have to now whether these large remitters are tax residents, or not -- so will have to coordinate with Immigration on 180 day status of these high remitters. Bottom line: If you're a large remitter (whatever TRD determines that is..) and a tax resident, what might be the odds you're selected for a random compliance audit? And in the minuscule chance you are selected, certainly if you're on the up an up, you can substantiate how you've determined assessabiliy from non assessability. Thus, why would you file a tax return -- and get a TIN -- if you owe no taxes?

Yeah, be proactive to the extent possible -- even if their book is in complete disarray, and it's up to you to determine 'worst case.'

Yeah, maybe BOI was advertising: "New rule coming into effect in Sept 2023 -- Por 161 -- but getting a LTR visa will grandfather you under the old rules, of no tax on income remitted in later year." Perhaps, then, BOI should take a course in marketing -- and how subterfuge can be negative in the long run.

Of course! You're beginning to overthink this situation, as it is one of the non gray areas. Sadly, not more are such.

Yeah, these motorcycle food deliverers are an annoyance -- speeding, weaving in and out of traffic. Sure, time is money. That one met his comeuppance, however, seems like justice -- although dying for being an annoyance seems a little harsh... Oh well.

Toxin's a friggin' interloper. Period. He and Elon Musk both have egos and heads way too large...

Makes no sense, if BOI is trying to sell a new product that will give you a tax advantage over the guy without a LTR visa.... Definitely something lost in translation here. Furthermore, enough folks have queried BOI on this tax advantage -- and have been told ALL remitted assessable income is tax exempt. Certainly you could take those replies to TRD, should you somehow be queried about a tax return you never filed, because you have a LTR visa. This is certainly a possible gray area. And, as I found out dealing with the IRS, if you've got a supportable position, the worst that can happen is pay back taxes, with interest. No fraud, no intended tax evasion, no fine. So, if you remitted assessable income in 2024 of 2024 income -- take the gray area to your advantage, meaning, don't file a tax return. Hopefully, further clarification about this will come along -- and I doubt what we hear will leave egg on BOI's face.

Hope the Por 162 redefines the DTA's taxability parameters.

Spot on. DTA gives Thailand "exclusive" taxation authority on remitted IRAs. But the US, per the saving clause, has secondary taxation rights -- but has to absorb a tax credit for the Thai taxes paid. Por 162, in redefining IRA remittances as not post 2023 income, has trumped the DTA language, that gave Thailand exclusive taxation rights on remitted IRAs. Thus, taxation of US traditional IRAs is solely by the IRS.

Actually, per Por 162 they are not assessable income, since their funding and reinvested earnings are all pre 2023 income (except for any reinvested income post 2023). But, this premise is not in stone, since some folks maintain Por 162 exempted income only applied to liquid bank holdings on 12/31/23. But some folks are wrong.

Yes, tax deferred income -- but pre 2023 income nevertheless. And, yes, when I take my Required Minimum Distribution of my traditional IRA in 2025, it will be fully taxable by the IRS. And per DTA -- if Por 162 had never come about -- Thailand has exclusive taxation on my remitted IRA (but the US also taxes it, per the saving clause, but has to absorb a tax credit for the Thai taxes). But, Por 162 did come about. And, by my reckoning, it says it is now not taxable by Thailand, 'cause it's pre 2023 income. So, what we're left with is: IRA withdrawal still fully taxable by IRS. But no tax credit to absorb, since Thailand can't tax it, per Por 162. So, you now pay full fare to Uncle Sam -- and nothing to Thailand. Bottom line: Full fare taxation to US, no taxes to Thailand under Por 162 would probably be same/similar, in total taxes paid, to paying taxes to Thailand, but having that same amount subtracted from US taxes, per credit. Thus, a wash.

Guavaman had an exchange with TRD, with the same question: Expatthai tax vs TRD ('tho it wasn't at the highest level of TRD).

Thanx for the reply. Only Bangkok post offices seems a little lame...

Actually, it appears to be a cop out. For clarity, let's look at the other side of the Por 162 coin: Money cashed out from my IRA, not to exceed the value on 12/31/23, is certainly all pre 2023 income -- the tax deferred earnings used to fund the IRA, plus the annual reinvested capital gains. And, for sure, any post 2023 withdrawals, turned into cash, would NOT be post 2023 earned income, if remitted to Thailand. That it took 15 hours to convert the IRA withdrawal to a bank deposit -- how does that make it so different from a liquid bank account on 12/31/23? Sell my car, bought with pre 2023 income, and send that money to Thailand post 2023. No remitted income here (and, as a non collector's item, no cap gain). Samo samo golf clubs, household furniture, boat, blah blah. Stock mutual funds held by Schwab. All cap gains/dividends have either been reinvested or paid to me. In either case, the value of this mutual fund on 12/31/23 represents all pre 2023 income. Sell enough to represent 12/31/23 value and remit to Thailand -- no post 2023 income here. That some advisors are saying "only cash in the bank only qualifies as pre-2024 income" -- doesn't cut it, when contrasted to the other side of the Por 162 coin, namely: Only post 2023 earnings are subject to Thai income tax, if remitted. All those cash-outs I've mentioned hardly qualify as "post 2023 earnings." (assuming you didn't exceed their 12/31/23 value).

You really are certifiable. Pistols or swords?

Right. Now can anyone answer my question on being able to mail to TRD my self assessed hard copy tax return -- or, if not, drop it off at the front door of TRD, without any further discussion. Thanx.

Why not just fill in the PND 91with the applicable assessable income, less any stipulated deductions and allowances, and then arrive at tax owed, or not. Then hand it in, or mail it. Why march off to the TRD office with a pile of DTA explanations and numbers, etc? Isn't self-assessment good enough? Then, if TRD has follow up questions, they'll contact you? I don't need to file a tax return this year, but if I did, I'd try to file electronically -- but if not available in English, I'd fill out a hard copy and mail it in (is that allowed?). Or is there some requirement that, not going electronically, I have to go to my local TRD and go over my return with an agent, line for line, plus hand in some supporting documentation (what might that be -- I've heard a bank statement -- is that gospel?). All very confusing, especially if self-assessment is the current guidance. And if filing electronically supports this guidance....

Hire another 50,000 agents, versed in 61 different DTAs, and paid several millions of baht per year - to collect, if lucky, maybe 1% of the cost from interviews with 300,000 farangs? Don't think so.