My Thai Tax Office Tax Filing Experience...

[KhunHeineken]

7 minutes ago, topt said:

Playing devils advocate can you show me an example of how they are currently enforcing it for foreigners? (note we are both using present tense and not potential subjective measures possible in the future)

The deadline for one to file is the 31st March. 

 

How can they possibly enforce it within the filing window period? 

 

Do you think it's all smoke and no fire? 

 

9 minutes ago, topt said:

If you had said because they changed the interpretation of one rule I wouldn't have asked...

I have said many times there will be chaos, and they will make things up on the fly. 

 

I have also said this tax policy will evolve. So, what it is in 2025, may not be what it is in 2026. 

 

Surely you concede the Thai's can smell a baht in it for them?  On that basis, why would they be handing out free passes? 

[topt]

2 minutes ago, KhunHeineken said:

The deadline for one to file is the 31st March. 

 

How can they possibly enforce it within the filing window period? 

 

Do you think it's all smoke and no fire? 

Ignoring my actual query. You made a statement that said that the Thai govt. were going to enforce it but actually you have no idea what they plan on doing - and they haven't announced anything either so how could you.

 

5 minutes ago, KhunHeineken said:

On that basis, why would they be handing out free passes?

Since a number of posters have basically been told to go away and have no need to file one could argue (not me) that in those cases perhaps they are getting a free pass. Those particular Revenue staff don't appear to be trying to see if they can make every baht they possibly could in those cases......

 

 

[CallumWK]

10 minutes ago, topt said:

Ignoring my actual query. You made a statement that said that the Thai govt. were going to enforce it but actually you have no idea what they plan on doing - and they haven't announced anything either so how could you.

 

He's a wind up. has made the same claim at least 50 times in all threads, without any evidence or source.

Why do the mods allow this scaremongering to continue is beyond me

[KhunHeineken]

33 minutes ago, topt said:

Ignoring my actual query. You made a statement that said that the Thai govt. were going to enforce it but actually you have no idea what they plan on doing - and they haven't announced anything either so how could you.

I have said in many posts, "The Thai's must have something up their sleeve." 

 

I have also been quite vocal on the easiest, cheapest, and most effective way they can enforce this tax policy, and that is through needing a TRD certificate at extension time. 

 

There was the below thread.  In your opinion, is the TRD boss full of hot air?

 

[KhunHeineken]

37 minutes ago, topt said:

Since a number of posters have basically been told to go away and have no need to file one could argue (not me) that in those cases perhaps they are getting a free pass. Those particular Revenue staff don't appear to be trying to see if they can make every baht they possibly could in those cases....

Simple question for you.

 

What's stopping everyone from saying they went to a TRD Office and was told no need to file?

 

There's no record one went there.  No record of the meeting.  No record of who they spoke to.  No record of the information given.  It's basically like it never happened.  Do you think this explanation will "fly?" 

 

Can you see the disconnect between the information Thai banks pass on to the Thai government, and what Somchai at the TRD Office is telling people?  Remember, the Thai banks only see the amount of cash.  They don't know if it's assessable or non assessable. 

 

I have a feeling, without having a certificate from the TRD, even saying zero baht tax to pay, it could come back to bite people, either this year, or in the future.  

 

I also put forward that such a certificate might be like the certificate of residence.  It should be free, but most pay 300 baht for it.  The TRD certificate could go the same way. 

 

I have never said I have a crystal ball for this tax policy.  I have just put forward some scenarios.  

 

I am not one of the members that believe it will all just go away, and that's because there's money involved.  

 

Do you believe it will all go away, and nothing will happen?   

[KhunHeineken]

36 minutes ago, CallumWK said:

 

He's a wind up. has made the same claim at least 50 times in all threads, without any evidence or source.

Why do the mods allow this scaremongering to continue is beyond me

Same question to you.

 

Do you think this will all go away, and we can all do nothing?

 

Go on the record. 

[JimGant]

2 hours ago, WingNut said:

Did the RD rep. agree with your determination?

 

She prepared the tax return forms for me. What do you think?

I think she didn't have a clue. Did her eyes glow when you explained how the DTA says this chunk of money is assessable, and this one is not? How about this chunk is not assessable because it falls into Por 162 exemption territory. And, this rental income is only secondarily taxable by Thailand, per DTA, thus it has to be decreased by the tax credit from my home country taxes.

 

Oh, I forgot -- all the income you presented was assessable, somehow determined by you. And this made her very happy, as she didn't have to chat with you over DTA language, and Por 162 language -- subjects she no doubt has any knowledge of. And, you've already said: She had no interest, of even knowledge why presented, of your bank account statements.

 

Nope. Forget hashing your return over with a clueless front line TRD clerk. Do it electronically, or mail it in, if you can -- or drop it in a drop box at the local RD's front door. Otherwise, you piss** in the wind.

[JimGant]

On 2/3/2025 at 4:28 PM, WingNut said:

Yes, I had gone to the bank and requested they print out 12 months of 2024 original bank statements for me to submit to the tax office as part of my tax filing. I submitted those originals together with my tax return and they were stapled and attached to my PRD90 when it was submitted. 

And, as you previously reported, the TRD agent never perused the statements, instead giving you a "what's this sh**" look. I hope you didn't waste too much of your time and money getting bank statements not required.

[JimGant]

On 2/4/2025 at 3:47 PM, WingNut said:

In the future, for my annual Thai tax filings, I may consider only attaching the individual receipts for the Wise transfers made to my Thai bank account, rather than submitting copies of my 12 months of local bank statements.

Why not submit nothing, as they weren't interested in anything you submitted this year. Just do a comprehensive self-assessment -- and drop off your return, samo samo doing an electronic filing. Any supporting documents would, of course, be salted away for any potential audit. But since the chance of an audit is almost non existent, I certainly wouldn't go to any extra effort to get 12 months of bank statements, etc.

[oldcpu]

14 hours ago, WingNut said:

...   as I discussed in a previous post, those who have taxable income and file tax returns might actually be in a better position down the line than those who don’t file at all. If someone doesn’t file for a few years and then gets questioned by the TRD or Immigration, they may have to get into a detailed discussion about the fact that they have only non-assessable income. At that point, the TRD could ask for proof. If the person cites double taxation treaties, they might find themselves at the discretion of the TRD at that point, which could still fine them or hold them liable for unpaid taxes. There could also be questions about how they are sustaining themselves financially in Thailand if their declared non-assessable income seems too low to live on.

 

 

 According to the Phuket RD official, in my case where I am a tax resident to Thailand, and in my case bringing in no income into Thailand, and not having assessable local Thai income to reach the Thai tax filing threshold ...  and hence I am NOT filing an income tax return, per THE RD DIRECTION, what you stated would not happen (in my case). They were clear on that for my case.

 

I am going to go with an official of the RD office directly told my wife and myself, and not your rather speculative concern.

 

As I have posted many times, each expat needs to evaluate this on their own.

[WingNut]

26 minutes ago, JimGant said:

I think she didn't have a clue. Did her eyes glow when you explained how the DTA says this chunk of money is assessable, and this one is not? How about this chunk is not assessable because it falls into Por 162 exemption territory. And, this rental income is only secondarily taxable by Thailand, per DTA, thus it has to be decreased by the tax credit from my home country taxes.

 

Oh, I forgot -- all the income you presented was assessable, somehow determined by you. And this made her very happy, as she didn't have to chat with you over DTA language, and Por 162 language -- subjects she no doubt has any knowledge of. And, you've already said: She had no interest, of even knowledge why presented, of your bank account statements.

 

Nope. Forget hashing your return over with a clueless front line TRD clerk. Do it electronically, or mail it in, if you can -- or drop it in a drop box at the local RD's front door. Otherwise, you piss** in the wind.

 

I’m starting to get the impression that you are just trolling after repeatedly misquoting elements of my previous posts. My type of personal income is fully assessable, there is no question about it, and there is nothing to debate on this matter.

 

When I went to the tax office, there was a three-step process involving three different clerks. The first was the woman who prepared my tax forms for filing. She was the head of that department and the one who suggested that I attach some supporting documents to reference my stated income, such as bank records or statements showing the incoming transfers. Next, I went to the second clerk, the document checker, who briefly reviewed my tax forms to ensure they were completed correctly. It is not her job to scrutinize the filing, only to check for accuracy on filling out the paperwork. She quickly glanced at my attached bank statements, made a note on them based on what I explained to her about them, and then sent me along. The third and final step was submitting everything at the final submission counter, where the last clerk entered all my details into the TRD system and issued me a receipt and a photocopy of my accepted submission.

 

As I’ve said many times, I’m simply sharing my own experience for anyone who might benefit from hearing about it. I have no issues with any part of what transpired, and I’m relieved to have completed my tax filing for 2024. But you should do whatever you feel is right for yourself. Disregard everything I’ve shared if you prefer, and handle things in whatever way makes the most sense for you.

[WingNut]

29 minutes ago, JimGant said:

And, as you previously reported, the TRD agent never perused the statements, instead giving you a "what's this sh**" look. I hope you didn't waste too much of your time and money getting bank statements not required.

A gross misinterpretation of the facts. But if it makes you feel better seeing it from that perspective then do as you please. 

[WingNut]

46 minutes ago, JimGant said:

Why not submit nothing, as they weren't interested in anything you submitted this year. Just do a comprehensive self-assessment -- and drop off your return, samo samo doing an electronic filing. Any supporting documents would, of course, be salted away for any potential audit. But since the chance of an audit is almost non existent, I certainly wouldn't go to any extra effort to get 12 months of bank statements, etc.

 

That’s fine. You do it your way; online, without attaching any supporting documents, or however you prefer.

 

Next year, I’ll personally do it the same way I did this year, in person at the tax office. I’ll likely prepare the forms myself next year instead, attach the receipts from Wise for my incoming bank transfers as supporting documentation for my stated income, instead of attaching actual bank statements next year, and go straight to the document checker, skipping the first step with the woman who prepares the forms. If everything looks correct to the document checker, I’ll proceed to the final counter to submit my forms, have them entered into the PRD system, and receive my receipt.

 

I’m not going to keep repeating myself on the same points over and over, so I won’t respond again if you continue to go in circles on this topic.

[JimGant]

5 minutes ago, WingNut said:

My type of personal income is fully assessable, there is no question about it, and there is nothing to debate on this matter.

OK, I'm not trying to pull your chain. I'm just trying to understand why, if all your personal income was fully assessable, that you needed to provide documentation? Maybe if you needed to prove that some income was not assessable, would you feel compelled to show supporting documentation - and have a nice chat about DTAs and Por 162. But this was not your situation. And you've already said that you weren't required to provide supporting documentation.

 

Just trying to understand. No big deal -- just a curiosity.

[WingNut]

1 minute ago, JimGant said:

OK, I'm not trying to pull your chain. I'm just trying to understand why, if all your personal income was fully assessable, that you needed to provide documentation? Maybe if you needed to prove that some income was not assessable, would you feel compelled to show supporting documentation - and have a nice chat about DTAs and Por 162. But this was not your situation. And you've already said that you weren't required to provide supporting documentation.

 

Just trying to understand. No big deal -- just a curiosity.

I think the short answer is that when you walk in there, and you throw out a number to the tax form preparer as being your total stated income for the year, they would like to see you attach some form of documentation to support how you arrived at that figure. I don't think it's any more complicated than that. And it was only a suggestion from her that I submit some bank statements with my tax filing as supporting documentation and not a requirement. 

[WingNut]

1 hour ago, oldcpu said:

 

 According to the Phuket RD official, in my case where I am a tax resident to Thailand, and in my case bringing in no income into Thailand, and not having assessable local Thai income to reach the Thai tax filing threshold ...  and hence I am NOT filing an income tax return, per THE RD DIRECTION, what you stated would not happen (in my case). They were clear on that for my case.

 

I am going to go with an official of the RD office directly told my wife and myself, and not your rather speculative concern.

 

As I have posted many times, each expat needs to evaluate this on their own.

 

Nobody is telling you that you must adhere to my speculative concern. I also completely agree with your approach and you should do whatever aligns with your specific situation, which is very different from mine.
 

If there is no way for you to file a tax return, and you are not obligated to do so according to the TRD, then hopefully, in the future, there will be a clear way to demonstrate compliance in case the potentially ever-changing guidelines require proof of adherence to the new tax filing requirements for 180 day residents starting in 2024.

 

The only potential issue I see in this situation is that you don’t have anything in writing, only just the word of someone at the TRD stating that you don’t need to file. It’s unfortunate that they don’t issue some sort of official document or certification confirming that you were not required to file. Having something in writing would provide peace of mind and serve as evidence in case you are ever questioned in the future about what they instructed you to do at the time for your tax filing in 2024.

[NoDisplayName]

39 minutes ago, WingNut said:

Next year, I’ll personally do it the same way I did this year, in person at the tax office. I’ll likely prepare the forms myself next year instead, attach the receipts from Wise for my incoming bank transfers as supporting documentation

 

Cool beans.

 

I believe you're doing much more than necessary, but I can't fault you for that.  You've filed successfully and appear satisfied with the result.

 

Congratulations, good job.  Have fun until next time.

[WingNut]

12 minutes ago, NoDisplayName said:

 

Cool beans.

 

I believe you're doing much more than necessary, but I can't fault you for that.  You've filed successfully and appear satisfied with the result.

 

Congratulations, good job.  Have fun until next time.

 

Thank you. Filing was necessary, but including the bank statements was not. However, since they suggested it, I went ahead and provided them. None of it was a hassle for me. I didn’t feel uncomfortable supplying copies of my bank statements either.
 

Everyone at the tax office was helpful throughout the entire process, including helping me to covert my old Thai tax ID number to my newer Thai pink ID card number and everything went smoothly overall. Same with getting my 2024 bank statements from the bank. No cost and no hassle. 

 

Hopefully, next year's annual tax filing will be just as straightforward, if not even faster and simpler for me, now that I fully understand the procedure. I’ll be well-prepared and presumably be able to complete everything next year in one go.

[oldcpu]

47 minutes ago, WingNut said:

 

The only potential issue I see in this situation is that you don’t have anything in writing,

 

No. No. No.

 

I have my bank statements showing no money coming into the country. The RD can access those if they want, or they can simply believe the statements that I provide them (if ever investigated - which given no income remitted is highly unlikely).

 

Are the typed (ie in writing) bank statements not good enough?

 

I believe one must not be too paranoid over this.

[NoDisplayName]

9 minutes ago, WingNut said:

 

Thank you. Filing was necessary, but including the bank statements was not. However, since they suggested it, I went ahead and provided them. None of it was a hassle for me. I didn’t feel uncomfortable supplying copies of my bank statements either.
 

Everyone at the tax office was helpful throughout the entire process, including helping me to covert my old Thai tax ID number to my newer Thai pink ID card number and everything went smoothly overall. Same with getting my 2024 bank statements from the bank. No cost and no hassle. 

 

Hopefully, next year's annual tax filing will be just as straightforward, if not even faster and simpler for me, now that I fully understand the procedure. I’ll be well-prepared and presumably be able to complete everything next year in one go.

 

Could you ask them about filing online?

 

Phrase it like you're doing them a favor by not having them wade through all your unnecessary bank documents.

 

Ask if you file online, and only enter the totals for each type of assessable income, will that be correct?  Insist that you will maintain the Wise and bank documents and can produce them if requested.

[WingNut]

8 minutes ago, oldcpu said:

 

No. No. No.

 

I have my bank statements showing no money coming into the country. The RD can access those if they want, or they can simply believe the statements that I provide them (if ever investigated - which given no income remitted is highly unlikely).

 

Are the typed (ie in writing) bank statements not good enough?

 

I believe one must not be too paranoid over this.

 

Those bank statements should be good enough as you noted, and I agree, there’s no reason to sit around worrying about any of this.

 

The only potential concern I see is for those who don’t maintain a decent local bank balance and have no evidence of incoming transfers. In that case, the question could shift to how they support themselves in Thailand without any visible funds to cover their living expenses. I’m not saying that applies to you, but it could become an issue in the future for those who don’t show much savings and or any incoming money over the course of a year, or even for multiple years.

[roo860]

14 minutes ago, WingNut said:

 

Thank you. Filing was necessary, but including the bank statements was not. However, since they suggested it, I went ahead and provided them. None of it was a hassle for me. I didn’t feel uncomfortable supplying copies of my bank statements either.
 

Everyone at the tax office was helpful throughout the entire process, including helping me to covert my old Thai tax ID number to my newer Thai pink ID card number and everything went smoothly overall. Same with getting my 2024 bank statements from the bank. No cost and no hassle. 

 

Hopefully, next year's annual tax filing will be just as straightforward, if not even faster and simpler for me, now that I fully understand the procedure. I’ll be well-prepared and presumably be able to complete everything next year in one go.

You think an updated bank book would be sufficient, that shows monies coming in to your account?

[WingNut]

7 minutes ago, roo860 said:

You think an updated bank book would be sufficient, that shows monies coming in to your account?

 

Yes, that would work too I believe if you update your bank book at least every couple of months. The issue with my particular bank is that if you don’t update it at least once every three months, the next update will show only a consolidated figure instead of individual transactions, which defeats the purpose if you need detailed records of all incoming deposits and transfers. I think most other banks do the same as well. 

 

In my case I don’t go to the bank often and rarely update my book since I handle almost everything online. However, if my bank book had been updated every month throughout last year, I would have simply photocopied those bankbook pages and submitted them instead of monthly bank statements.

[anrcaccount]

6 minutes ago, WingNut said:

The only potential concern I see is for those who don’t maintain a decent local bank balance and have no evidence of incoming transfers. In that case, the question could shift to how they support themselves in Thailand without any visible funds to cover their living expenses. I’m not saying that applies to you, but it could become an issue in the future for those who don’t show much savings and or any incoming money over the course of a year, or even for multiple years.

 

This has absolutely nothing to do with the TRD or Thai taxation. They have nothing in their remit, even remotely related to this.

 

This is your individual, speculative future concern, that someone (less polite than myself) could validly describe as fearmongering. 

 

[CallumWK]

3 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

Same question to you.

 

Do you think this will all go away, and we can all do nothing?

 

Go on the record. 

 

Nothing has to go away, as it has never been applied or even announced that it will be linked.

 

The only thing that should go away is YOU

[Unamerican]

@WingNut  So is it the case that you cannot use the DTA to reduce the tax you owe here? 

 

Or maybe you are not liable to tax on your remitted income?

 

Either of these would make you atypical. 

[Yumthai]

3 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

Simple question for you.

 

What's stopping everyone from saying they went to a TRD Office and was told no need to file?

 

There's no record one went there.  No record of the meeting.  No record of who they spoke to.  No record of the information given.  It's basically like it never happened.  Do you think this explanation will "fly?" 

 

Can you see the disconnect between the information Thai banks pass on to the Thai government, and what Somchai at the TRD Office is telling people?  Remember, the Thai banks only see the amount of cash.  They don't know if it's assessable or non assessable. 

 

I have a feeling, without having a certificate from the TRD, even saying zero baht tax to pay, it could come back to bite people, either this year, or in the future.  

 

I also put forward that such a certificate might be like the certificate of residence.  It should be free, but most pay 300 baht for it.  The TRD certificate could go the same way. 

 

I have never said I have a crystal ball for this tax policy.  I have just put forward some scenarios.  

 

I am not one of the members that believe it will all just go away, and that's because there's money involved.  

 

Do you believe it will all go away, and nothing will happen?   

A perfect illustration of the (in)famous Thai expression: "Farang fink too mut"

[anrcaccount]

4 hours ago, WingNut said:

 

Have you filed your return yet? (You state that you had to obtain bank documents first.)

 

Yes. Already stated in a previous post. Have you?

 

What was your "assessable income" and tax paid?

 

It was at a level below the minimum taxable level. So it was non-taxable. Already stated in a previous post. No tax paid. And you?

 

How did you pay the tax? Cash? QR code?

 

No tax paid. And you?
 

What was the source of the funds that you remitted in 2024?

 

Personal, taxable income. And yours?

 

How did you determine that some/all funds remitted were "assessable income"?

 

Because it's personal, taxable income. And yours?

 

Did the RD rep. agree with your determination?

 

She prepared the tax return forms for me. What do you think?

 

Thank you OP  for sharing your experience, I do mean this. 

 

It looks as if you're one of those rare individuals who seem compelled to comply (over comply), "just in case" , BUT conveniently, owe zero tax!

 

Why is it that every single report of anyone actually filing a Thai tax return....... seems to result in not actually paying anything, or even getting a refund?

 

Again, we see not a single baht of tax paid on foreign income remitted to Thailand.............

[NoDisplayName]

28 minutes ago, WingNut said:

In my case I don’t go to the bank often and rarely update my book since I handle almost everything online.

 

Passbook update machines are located outside many banks, and in most major malls.  Don't need to go in during business hours and take a number.

[KhunHeineken]

18 minutes ago, CallumWK said:

Nothing has to go away, as it has never been applied or even announced that it will be linked.

Taking the "linking" possibility away from it, are you suggesting that this whole tax policy, as been reported in the news, IS NOT currently being applied as we speak? 

 

Are you saying the whole thing doesn't exist, and is nothing?

 

Can you clarify your position on the issue?