Any stories from people who have already filed their Thai taxes?

 

Any warnings we should know about?

 

Any useful information to pass on?

I  read numerous lists of what is being taxed, but all that I have read and videos I have watched here on ASEAN Now seem to be laced with uncertainty.

 

I want to know if anyone has been taxed on the money they keep in their bank account that is mandated by Thai law for their visa, e.g. marriage or retirement.

Has anyone been surprised at what was or was not taxed?

 

Do employees at the tax office appear to be comfortable, knowledgeable and certain about what they are doing?

 

How long did it take for the Department of Revenue to process you tax forms and give you a receipt?

 

Did you have to retrieve documents you didn't bring with you which you had no idea you needed?
 

 I only went to get a TIN with a yearly bank statement as they had earlier requested and somehow ended up filing a return!The tax officer started to fill it in without me even realising what was happening or asking any questions.Luckily I had a copy of my wife's and her son's id cards to show her so I got all my allowances and deductions....

totalling 590,000 baht. I thought my liability was 0 after allowing for the uk thai dta but she wouldn't entertain that or appear to know what I was talking about so I never even mentioned pre 2024 money as I had no supporting docs.Because my liability came to very little and to avoid a return trip and the hassle of providing docs. I just paid up.The whole experience was bizaare.Next year I won't exceed 590,000 baht in remittances which is eas[ly arranged to ensure no liability.

17 hours ago, chang50 said:

Because my liability came to very little and to avoid a return trip and the hassle of providing docs. I just paid up.The whole experience was bizaare.

 

If your income was to be excluded in the Thai tax calculation due to por.161/162, and Royal Decree-18/DTA then you may even be able to file an appeal and get your money back. However if the tax amount paid is small, it likely is not worth the hassle of an appeal. 

21 hours ago, chang50 said:

 I only went to get a TIN with a yearly bank statement as they had earlier requested and somehow ended up filing a return!The tax officer started to fill it in without me even realising what was happening or asking any questions.Luckily I had a copy of my wife's and her son's id cards to show her so I got all my allowances and deductions....

totalling 590,000 baht. I thought my liability was 0 after allowing for the uk thai dta but she wouldn't entertain that or appear to know what I was talking about so I never even mentioned pre 2024 money as I had no supporting docs.Because my liability came to very little and to avoid a return trip and the hassle of providing docs. I just paid up.The whole experience was bizaare.Next year I won't exceed 590,000 baht in remittances which is eas[ly arranged to ensure no liability.

 

Good job you set a fine example for all the people who want to use the laws like DTAs to not pay taxes....And all you anti tax heathens..This post shows ,they would be more than happy to let you pay taxes even if you owe zero taxes...

 

Stop being so cheap....Dig deep in your pockets and pay up....Even if you owe nothing...

 

We need to start a I owed nothing and paid anyways thread....

 

 

On 2/10/2025 at 4:56 PM, jingjai9 said:

Any stories from people who have already filed their Thai taxes?

 

Any warnings we should know about?

 

Any useful information to pass on?

I  read numerous lists of what is being taxed, but all that I have read and videos I have watched here on ASEAN Now seem to be laced with uncertainty.

 

I want to know if anyone has been taxed on the money they keep in their bank account that is mandated by Thai law for their visa, e.g. marriage or retirement.

Has anyone been surprised at what was or was not taxed?

 

Do employees at the tax office appear to be comfortable, knowledgeable and certain about what they are doing?

 

How long did it take for the Department of Revenue to process you tax forms and give you a receipt?

 

Did you have to retrieve documents you didn't bring with you which you had no idea you needed?
 

Nobody is being taxed on money you already have in the bank in Thailand.

Tax may be triggered by income in Thailand or remittances into Thailand. 

Thailand doesn't have a global assets tax like some countries do. 

On 2/11/2025 at 12:01 AM, chang50 said:

 I only went to get a TIN with a yearly bank statement as they had earlier requested and somehow ended up filing a return!The tax officer started to fill it in without me even realising what was happening or asking any questions.Luckily I had a copy of my wife's and her son's id cards to show her so I got all my allowances and deductions....

 

Did you have to provide a Marriage certificate , or is the wife's I.D. card sufficient for proof of marriage ?

From the various threads running on this topic, the consensus seems to be don't make waves and whatever you do, don't visit your local tax office!

On 2/11/2025 at 12:01 AM, chang50 said:

 I only went to get a TIN with a yearly bank statement as they had earlier requested and somehow ended up filing a return!The tax officer started to fill it in without me even realising what was happening or asking any questions.Luckily I had a copy of my wife's and her son's id cards to show her so I got all my allowances and deductions....

totalling 590,000 baht. I thought my liability was 0 after allowing for the uk thai dta but she wouldn't entertain that or appear to know what I was talking about so I never even mentioned pre 2024 money as I had no supporting docs.Because my liability came to very little and to avoid a return trip and the hassle of providing docs. I just paid up.The whole experience was bizaare.Next year I won't exceed 590,000 baht in remittances which is eas[ly arranged to ensure no liability.

 

That is the major issue. For most expats the dta should delete any tax payable here. If they ignore it what do we do?

1 hour ago, brewsterbudgen said:

From the various threads running on this topic, the consensus seems to be don't make waves and whatever you do, don't visit your local tax office!

Absolutely stay under the radar.

It's a mystery to me why people rush to tax offices to meet clueless officers.

What can happen in worst case?

You might be addressed, file tax return and maybe pay backward and a fine/interest.

No prison time to expect.

5 hours ago, NE1 said:

 

Did you have to provide a Marriage certificate , or is the wife's I.D. card sufficient for proof of marriage ?

She was present and gave her ID number.

1. close the bank account

2. only bring in cash

3. become a winterbird and dont' stay more then 180 days

4. start looking around in other more foreigner friendly countries in Asia or India

15 hours ago, redwood1 said:

 

Good job you set a fine example for all the people who want to use the laws like DTAs to not pay taxes....And all you anti tax heathens..This post shows ,they would be more than happy to let you pay taxes even if you owe zero taxes...

 

Stop being so cheap....Dig deep in your pockets and pay up....Even if you owe nothing...

 

We need to start a I owed nothing and paid anyways thread....

It would have cost me far more to hire a tax accountant to fight the issue plus my travel expenses and time proving my case.Everyone has to do what they think is best in a chaotic and confused situation so respectfully please keep your judgmental attitude to yourself.

 

 

First, I would stay away from the Revenue Dept. Wait and see if and how they are going to enforce this. May never happen.

 

If they want me they are going to have to drag me down there, kicking and screaming in protest. I cannot see how the Thai Revenue Dept has any right to tax foreign income. None of their business, I refuse to pay.

 

Thais have long kept two sets of account books. One of which gets shown to the Tax man.

 

Many Thais keep no records at all and simply give the tax man a brown envelope if he comes calling.

 

Have two bank accounts. One you show the tax office, which always stays within the max allowance. And another account for additional funds.

 

If all else fails, leave Thailand. Time we farang stood up and told em where to stuff it.

On 2/11/2025 at 12:01 AM, chang50 said:

 I only went to get a TIN with a yearly bank statement as they had earlier requested and somehow ended up filing a return!The tax officer started to fill it in without me even realising what was happening or asking any questions.Luckily I had a copy of my wife's and her son's id cards to show her so I got all my allowances and deductions....

totalling 590,000 baht. I thought my liability was 0 after allowing for the uk thai dta but she wouldn't entertain that or appear to know what I was talking about so I never even mentioned pre 2024 money as I had no supporting docs.Because my liability came to very little and to avoid a return trip and the hassle of providing docs. I just paid up.The whole experience was bizaare.Next year I won't exceed 590,000 baht in remittances which is eas[ly arranged to ensure no liability.

To me another IDIOT and I apologize to you for saying this, but to allow them to run rough shod to speak over you so that you could not be totally prepared when you went there, to just accept what you know to possibly be incorrect against you but saying it isn'e worth wasting your time...the next time it might not be so easy as if they see just how easy some expats are they might try even more angles that are not correct!  Glad you are happy.

11 minutes ago, DaRoadrunner said:

First, I would stay away from the Revenue Dept. Wait and see if and how they are going to enforce this. May never happen.

 

If they want me they are going to have to drag me down there, kicking and screaming in protest. I cannot see how the Thai Revenue Dept has any right to tax foreign income. None of their business, I refuse to pay.

 

Thais have long kept two sets of account books. One of which gets shown to the Tax man.

 

Many Thais keep no records at all and simply give the tax man a brown envelope if he comes calling.

 

Have two bank accounts. One you show the tax office, which always stays within the max allowance. And another account for additional funds.

 

If all else fails, leave Thailand. Time we farang stood up and told em where to stuff it.

sNot sure I totally agree with you, I do believe in paying taxes to some country - though as an American I have no choice.  Now the US is changing some tax laws so that those Americans being tax resident in foreign  countries can opt out of US taxes and just pay Thailand or whatever country they are there as a tax resident.

3 hours ago, henryford1958 said:

 

That is the major issue. For most expats the dta should delete any tax payable here. If they ignore it what do we do?

What I fail to understand is that the DTA's re official treaties between your country and Thailand.  If they push you on this then file a claim with your embassy or in the case of the US wih the State deparment and advise the RD that is what you are doing.  Also tell the press local and in your neck of the woods so that if enough people complain, the rd will stop doing that as it is illegal!  If one accepts that they have to pay something just so that it isn't too much, then things will only get worse when they see how easy some expat are.

On 2/11/2025 at 12:01 AM, chang50 said:

 I only went to get a TIN with a yearly bank statement as they had earlier requested and somehow ended up filing a return!The tax officer started to fill it in without me even realising what was happening or asking any questions.Luckily I had a copy of my wife's and her son's id cards to show her so I got all my allowances and deductions....

totalling 590,000 baht. I thought my liability was 0 after allowing for the uk thai dta but she wouldn't entertain that or appear to know what I was talking about so I never even mentioned pre 2024 money as I had no supporting docs.Because my liability came to very little and to avoid a return trip and the hassle of providing docs. I just paid up.The whole experience was bizaare.Next year I won't exceed 590,000 baht in remittances which is eas[ly arranged to ensure no liability.

As for the DTA, there seems to be a bit of confusion. As far as I can work out, you are legally required to pay tax in your tax resident country, if you stay in Thailand over 180 days you are considered a tax resident and it is here that you must pay tax. The DTA will stop you from paying tax in the country that you are not in (or at least not in for 180 days per year). So, if you are getting paid by a UK company but stay in Thailand for over 180 days then you pay tax in Thailand and the DTA will avoid paying tax in the UK. I may be wrong.

 

This document seems to support this:

https://iao.bangkok.go.th/storage/files/Personal Income Tax.pdf

 

This document is also useful for working out deductions:

file:///C:/Users/Owner/Desktop/TAX/Thailand%20-%20Individual%20-%20Deductions.html

 

What new tax laws ?

17 hours ago, redwood1 said:

 

Good job you set a fine example for all the people who want to use the laws like DTAs to not pay taxes....And all you anti tax heathens..This post shows ,they would be more than happy to let you pay taxes even if you owe zero taxes...

 

Stop being so cheap....Dig deep in your pockets and pay up....Even if you owe nothing...

 

We need to start a I owed nothing and paid anyways thread....

 

 

I'm no expert but I think you have completely misunderstood what a DTA is. The clue is in the name, DOUBLE tax agreement. It is to avoid paying tax twice, not for 'anti tax heathens' to avoid tax. It is just for specific situations where you are earning money in one place and getting taxed on it, then living in another place where they try and tax it again. 

 

As I said, I think the confusion comes in as the tax should actually be paid in the tax residence country, so the DTA should be used to avoid paying tax in the original country.

 

 

6 minutes ago, Ralf001 said:

What new tax laws ?

No idea if they are new, I'm just reading what it says in the latest document from the Thai Govt website...

I expect that if I owe taxes, they’ll come and tell me.

None, and hope to keep it that way 

5 hours ago, KhunBENQ said:

Absolutely stay under the radar.

It's a mystery to me why people rush to tax offices to meet clueless officers.

What can happen in worst case?

You might be addressed, file tax return and maybe pay backward and a fine/interest.

No prison time to expect.

Totally agree 100%

30 minutes ago, CK1980 said:

I'm no expert but I think you have completely misunderstood what a DTA is. The clue is in the name, DOUBLE tax agreement. It is to avoid paying tax twice, not for 'anti tax heathens' to avoid tax. It is just for specific situations where you are earning money in one place and getting taxed on it, then living in another place where they try and tax it again. 

 

As I said, I think the confusion comes in as the tax should actually be paid in the tax residence country, so the DTA should be used to avoid paying tax in the original country.

 

 

then you need to check your country's DTA.  The US DTA specifically claims taxing right on social security and civil service pension.  Some others do too but I haven't read them so....

Quick hypothetical question

 

I want to transfer 1,2 million in to my bank account tomorow from my savings, and I am going to stay 7 months this year.

 

I am obligated to pay tax this year?

32 minutes ago, CK1980 said:

I'm no expert but I think you have completely misunderstood what a DTA is. The clue is in the name, DOUBLE tax agreement. It is to avoid paying tax twice, not for 'anti tax heathens' to avoid tax. It is just for specific situations where you are earning money in one place and getting taxed on it, then living in another place where they try and tax it again. 

 

As I said, I think the confusion comes in as the tax should actually be paid in the tax residence country, so the DTA should be used to avoid paying tax in the original country.

 

 

suggest yu read the DTA for your country before making decision on what they are for.  All are different, some give exclusive taxing rights for the original country while some give taxing right to the tax resident country.

3 minutes ago, Hummin said:

Quick hypothetical question

 

I want to transfer 1,2 million in to my bank account tomorow from my savings, and I am going to stay 7 months this year.

 

I am obligated to pay tax this year?

we are foreigners so can give you tax advice...you need to check the law about remittance of foreign income.

On 2/11/2025 at 12:01 AM, chang50 said:

 I only went to get a TIN with a yearly bank statement as they had earlier requested and somehow ended up filing a return!The tax officer started to fill it in without me even realising what was happening or asking any questions.Luckily I had a copy of my wife's and her son's id cards to show her so I got all my allowances and deductions....

totalling 590,000 baht. I thought my liability was 0 after allowing for the uk thai dta but she wouldn't entertain that or appear to know what I was talking about so I never even mentioned pre 2024 money as I had no supporting docs.Because my liability came to very little and to avoid a return trip and the hassle of providing docs. I just paid up.The whole experience was bizaare.Next year I won't exceed 590,000 baht in remittances which is eas[ly arranged to ensure no liability.

Did you get a receipt?

2 minutes ago, Presnock said:

we are foreigners so can give you tax advice...you need to check the law about remittance of foreign income.

I didn't pay previously tax on transfers from savings, but now I want to have a reserve here. 

 

Next question

I transfer this year, stay 5 months. Next year I'm staying 7 months? I'm off the hook then? 

 

Someone must know for Eu countries, efta, Nordic or Norway.

19 minutes ago, Hummin said:

Quick hypothetical question

 

I want to transfer 1,2 million in to my bank account tomorow from my savings, and I am going to stay 7 months this year.

 

I am obligated to pay tax this year?

The bottom line, according to what the TRD has said so far, is to avoid being classified as a resident of Thailand for tax purposes, you must be present in the Kingdom 180 days or more. So 7 months would be over the limit, unless you can dip in an out for a couple of weeks at a time during the 7 months and avoid residencey classification. Basically, we are all waiting to see what happens - it's not clear yet about what is going to be assessible income - just remittances as is the case now, or your global income. The latter is pretty stupid - I'd call it the 'widow maker'.