In Thailand, there are many kinds of business identities. The type of business you chose will affect your tax rates and tax benefits.
In general, the most common types of business are:
Thai company
Foreign company
Thai Company
A Thai company generally pays tax at 20% (until 2015) of net profit. However, some types of company are entitled to a rate reduction.
Foreign Company
A foreign company carrying on business in Thailand, whether it has a branch, an office, an employee or an agent in Thailand shall pay 30% tax (reduced to 20% until 2015) only on profit deriving from business in Thailand. However, international transportation company shall pay tax at the rate of 3% on gross receipts.
Foreign Company Abroad
A foreign company that does not carry on business in Thailand will be subject to withholding tax on certain categories of income derived from Thailand. The withholding tax rates may be further reduced or exempted depending on types of income under the provision of Double Taxation Agreement.
Rates:
Remittance of profits | 10% |
Dividends | 10% |
Other income such as interests, royalties, capital gains, rents and professional fees | 15% |
Tax Registration
A foreign company carrying on business in Thailand, whether setting up a branch or an office must apply for tax identification number from the RevenueDepartment. An application form (Lor Por 10.3) together with other relevent documents i.e. a copy of a companys registration license, house registration, etc. shall be submitted to the Area Revenue Office within 60 days for the date of registration or operation.
Tax Treaties to Avoid Double Taxation
Currently, Thailand has concluded 57 tax treaty agreements : : Armenia, Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Bahrain, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, China P.R., Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Laos, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mauritius, Nepal, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, the Philippines, Poland, Romania, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Srilanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Kuwait, Russia, Chile, Burma, Taiwan, and Estonia .
Tax Filing and Payments
Thai & Foreign Company Carrying on Business in Thailand
Any Thai or foreign company carrying on business in Thailand must submit their tax returns and payments twice a year.
International Transportation Business
A company shall submit tax return (CIT 52 form) and payment within 150 days after the closing date of its accounting period.
Foreign Company Not Carrying on Business in Thailand
A taxpayer in Thailand shall withhold tax at source at the time of payment and submit it together with CIT 54 form to the Area Revenue Office within 7 days of the following month after the payment is made.
Electronic Filing and Payments
A company can easily submit income tax return (CIT 50, 51, 52, 54) and make tax payment via internet at http://www.rd.go.th The service opens daily form 6 am. 10 pm.
Tax Benefits
A company that chooses to register under Thai law shall enjoy various tax benefit schemes such as;