IB2 Taxes and Fees
IB2 Taxes and Fees
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GROUP ASSIGNMENT II
SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS II
TOPIC
COMPARE TAXES & FEES TO COMPANIES DOING
BUSINESS IN VIETNAM,
THAILAND AND THE USA
GROUP 14 : Nguyễn Thị Hà Vy – 11226997
Nguyễn Chính Minh – 11224228
B. Fees for companies to conduct business within Vietnam, Thailand and USA..............12
1. Vietnam................................................................................................................................12
2. Thailand...............................................................................................................................14
3. USA......................................................................................................................................16
C. Taxes and fees to a company doing business in Vietnam, Thailand and USA.............18
1. Taxes and fees imposed on Samsung Electronics when they entered Vietnam market...18
2. Taxes and fees for Mercedes Benz to enter US market from Germany............................20
REFERENCES..................................................................................................................................24
PEER EVALUATION........................................................................................................................26
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A. Compare taxes to companies doing business in Vietnam, Thailand and the USA
(Business Taxes: Importance and Their Role in Business, Brad Sugar, Jan2024)
Whether you’re just starting or have been running a business for years, one thing is certain:
business taxes are unavoidable. They may seem like a hassle, but they’re crucial for keeping your
business running smoothly. With the right understanding and approach, business taxes can even be
tools to help your business thrive financially. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of
business taxes, highlighting their importance and impact.
Business or corporate taxes, in simple terms, are the amounts that businesses owe to the
government based on their income, property, and even purchases. The type and amount of taxes can
vary significantly depending on factors such as the nature of your company, its location, the number
of employees, and more.
In the USA, there are 3 levels of Business Tax: Federal Tax, State Tax, Local Tax while in
Vietnam, all taxes are imposed at the national level. Therefore, understanding these taxes play a
crucial role in funding public services and initiatives, from infrastructure projects to social services.
So, even though it may feel like a burden, paying your corporate taxes is your way of contributing
to the community and the economy as a whole.
Different countries have varying corporate income tax rates. Therefore, multinational
companies utilize global financing techniques to reduce their corporate income tax obligations in
countries with high tax rates. Tax policies for companies and their branches differ significantly
between countries. These policies clearly delineate the responsibilities for both the parent company
and the global branches of companies operating in those regions.
3
No Taxes Vietnam Thailand USA
2. Value Added In Vietnam, Value As in other countries Although The U.S. is the
Tax (VAT) Added Tax (VAT) is with VAT systems, VAT only major country that
one of the main in Thailand is an indirect does not have a value-
indirect taxes applied tax imposed on the value added tax, VATs have
on goods and services. added to goods at each been lucrative elsewhere,
It is governed by the stage of production and the levy faces political
Vietnam VAT Law, distribution. The current hurdles in the United
which defines rates are 7% and 0% with States.
applicable rates, some exemptions from
exempt products and VAT on certain services However, it requires
registration procedures including export sales, consumers to pay federal
for businesses. international transport excise taxes when
services, and goods sold purchasing gasoline,
The Value Added Tax within customs-free alcohol, tobacco, and
(VAT), typically set at zones. other products.
10 %, was initially
4
No Taxes Vietnam Thailand USA
3. Special SCT is a tax levied on Thailand’s Special The United States does
Consumption 11 groups of goods and Consumption Tax not currently have a
Tax (SCT) six groups of services (Excise Tax) is a tax broad consumption-
that production or levied on certain goods based tax at the federal
direct consumption in and services considered level, although it does
Vietnam’s territory luxury items, harmful to impose federal excise
should be limited. health or the taxes on purchases of
environment, or non- several types of goods
Imposed on specific essential. and services, including
goods (e.g., tobacco, gasoline, air travel,
alcohol) and can vary This included alcoholic alcohol, and cigarettes.
significantly. beverages, vehicles, fuel,
cosmetic products like In addition, most states
For example: Cigars jewelry… impose a retail sales tax
and cigarettes’ SCT on many goods and
rates are 75%, Petrol’s For example: the taxes services.
SCT rates can be 7- on alcohol in 2024 is
10%, Massage and around 5% of the total (Impose a Tax on
Karaoke services have sales profit Consumption,
the SCT rates of Congressional Budget
30%,..... (A Comprehensive Office, Dec2022)
Overview of Corporate
Vietnam imposes a Tax in Thailand, H&P
very high special Co.,Ltd)
consumption tax on
automobiles. Currently,
most cars in Vietnam
5
No Taxes Vietnam Thailand USA
In particular, the
special consumption
tax rate on joss paper is
70%, aimed at
minimizing the
rampant use of joss
paper, which leads to
waste and negatively
impacts the
environment.
(Special consumption
tax in Vietnam,
Acclime, Sep2024)
4. Custom Customs duties, also Duties are levied on a Any imports that are
Duties known as import duties, specific or an ad valorem above USD 800 will have
(Import, are taxes applied on basis, whichever is to go through a
Export) goods imported into higher, and the applied conventional clearance at
Vietnam. ad valorem duties range the customs; whereas
between 0% and 80%. eCommerce purchases
Customs value: the Exemptions from import that value between USD
starting point for duties are available on 800 and USD 2,500
calculating customs items of goods as could enjoy a simplified
duties. It represents the prescribed in the clearance which involve
total value of the Customs Tariff Decree. minimal intervention
imported goods from customs.
Customs controls and
procedures: Customs The import tariffs vary
6
No Taxes Vietnam Thailand USA
(Thailand - Customs
Regulations, 09/2024,
ITA)
The main items that countries impose special consumption taxes on include
three primary groups: alcoholic beverages, fuel (gasoline), and tobacco. In
recent years, many countries have begun taxing soft drinks due to their
negative effects on human health. Vietnam has been considering this issue.
Vietnam, Thailand, and several other ASEAN countries apply relatively high
special consumption taxes on automobiles to protect the domestic automobile
manufacturing industry and prevent excessive increases in the number of cars.
All these countries are developing, with rising demand for cars, but the
infrastructure has not yet been able to keep up.
5. Double The DTA applies to Thailand has established Americans living abroad
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No Taxes Vietnam Thailand USA
6. Business Business license tax In Thailand, the Business The US State business
License Tax (BLT) is an indirect tax License Tax (BLT) is a license ranges from $50-
(BLT) imposed on entities that fee imposed on $550 depending upon the
conduct business businesses based on their type of business permit
activities in Vietnam registered capital: required. This cost
and are paid by the includes processing and
enterprises themselves Fee Calculation: The filing fees.
on an annual basis. BLT is calculated at a
rate of five baht for For each state where the
All companies, every one thousand business intends to
organizations or baht of registered operate, there may be
individuals (including capital. different costs involved.
branches, shops and
factories) and foreign Minimum and (Business License Costs
investors that operate Maximum Fees: The by State, ZenBusiness)
businesses in Vietnam minimum fee is 20,000
are subject to BLT baht, and the
charges, and the BLT maximum fee is
rates are different for
8
No Taxes Vietnam Thailand USA
7. Foreign Vietnam’s foreign The withholding tax rates Under IRS ( Internal
Contractor contractor tax (FCT), can vary depending on Revenue Service) rules,
Tax (FCT) often referred to as the the type of income and the source of the income
withholding tax, is a the status of the resident. is a key component in
tax that is applied to determining how to
transactions conducted Withholding tax can handle reporting for tax
in Vietnam between a apply to a variety of purposes.
foreign company or payments, including
sub-contractor and a salaries(0-35% depends For a contractor living
Vietnamese company. on the income), rents and performing the work
(5%), and royalties (0- internationally, foreign-
It is made up of two 35% depends on the sourced income isn’t
kinds of taxes. These amount of royalty paid), subject to U.S. tax
are VAT and, either among others. withholding, while U.S.
PIT for individuals, or source income, even if
CIT applicable to most (Withholding tax in earned by a non-
foreign contractors that Thailand, Acclime) American, is subject to
are registered as U.S. tax withholding.
organizations.
(Tax Requirements When
The deemed profit rates Hiring a Foreign
vary depending on the Contractor, T.J. Porter,
type of service Collective)
provided:
Construction
Services: 10%
Consulting
Services: 10% to
20%
9
No Taxes Vietnam Thailand USA
Other Services: 5%
to 20%
(Foreign Contractor
Tax in Vietnam: A
Complete Guide,
Vietnam Briefing,
May2024)
8. Environmenta Vietnam’s EPT applies This is part of the The United States has a
l Protection to a number of goods country's effort to four-decade history of
Taxes ( EPT ) that can potentially be address environmental using the tax code to
hazardous to the challenges and promote protect the environment,
environment if used in sustainability. While not from the federal
excess or improperly a single, unified tax, government’s
disposed of. Thailand has experience, highlighting
implemented various the tax on ozone-
Such as: Fossil fuels taxes and fees aimed at depleting chemicals, the
including gasoline, environmental gas guzzler tax, President
aviation fuel, diesel, protection, including Clinton’s attempt to
kerosene, fuel oil,... taxes on pollutants, enact a broad-based
waste, and other energy tax, superfund
activities harmful to the taxes, and the petroleum
Rates vary depending environment. tax that funds the Oil
on the type of product Spill Liability Trust
or activity: Fund.
For example: the taxes
on carbon rate will be
Petroleum products: levied on emissions at It underscores the federal
The fee can range the source, starting with government’s recent
from 1,000 VND to oil products, and will be reliance on tax
4,000 VND per set at a rate of 200 baht expenditures, not tax
liter. per metric tonne, taking increases, to improve
effect from 2025. energy efficiency and
Plastic bags: The renewable energy.
fee is typically (Thailand Annouces
around 30 VND per Carbon Tax Set to (ENVIRONMENTAL
bag Become Effective in TAXATION IN THE
2025, PRD, 06/2024) UNITED STATES: THE
(An Overview of LONG VIEW, Janet E.
Vietnam’s Milne, Apr2011)
Environmental
Protection Tax,
10
No Taxes Vietnam Thailand USA
Vietnam Briefing,
Nov2023)
10.1. In Vietnam
Land Use Rights and Real Estate Tax: Foreign entities may need to pay for land use rights,
and there are taxes on property ownership.
Transfer Pricing: Companies must comply with transfer pricing regulations to ensure that
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intercompany transactions are conducted at arm's length.
10.2. In Thailand
Property tax: this imposes taxes on landowners and owners of buildings, houses, or other
structures. The tax rate for properties used for agricultural purposes is set at a maximum of
0.15%, private residences have a tax rate not exceeding 0.30% and properties utilized for
commercial purposes or other non-residential uses, the tax rate is capped at 1.20%.
Stamp tax: Stamp duty is applicable to specific legal documents such as leases, loan
agreements, insurance policies, share transfers, and promissory notes.
For example, the transfer of shares or bonds issued by a company is charged at ฿1 for every
฿1,000 value.
Inheritance tax: Inheritance tax in Thailand is only payable on estates valued at more than
฿100 million. The rate is 5% for ascendants and descendants or 10% for other heirs. Estates
that pass on to the deceased’s spouse are exempt from tax.
B. Fees for companies to conduct business within Vietnam, Thailand and USA
1. Vietnam
(Fee for establishing a company in Vietnam, Viet An Law, 2024)
A digital signature is information attached to data, which can be in the form of text, images,
or videos, to identify the owner of the data. Digital signatures are an indispensable part of electronic
invoices and authenticate that the electronic invoice is issued by which unit.
Cost depends on the provider and the number of years of service. Digital signatures with 03
years of use range from 2,000,000 VND to 3,000,000 VND.
1.5. Electronic invoices for enterprises
From October 19th, 2020, the Government issued Decree 123/2020/ND-CP, according to
which, from July 1st, 2023, when establishing a business, it is mandatory to use electronic invoices.
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The cost of purchasing electronic invoice software ranges from 2,000,000 VND to 3,000,000
VND depending on the supplier
1.6. Licensing fee
A license fee (or license tax) is an amount of money that must be paid annually or when
starting production or business based on the charter capital stated in the business registration
certificate/investment capital stated in the certificate. Investment registration certificate (for
organizations) or annual revenue (for business households and individuals).
2. Thailand
(The Cost of Doing Business in Thailand: Setting Up Your Company, H&P Co.,Ltd)
Thailand’s registration fees follow a tiered structure based on the company’s registered
capital. This means a higher registered capital leads to proportionally higher company registration
fees. The minimum registration fee is around 5,000 THB (approximately USD 150).
If you and your team are foreign nationals, you will need to obtain work permits and visas.
Both work permits and visas incur individual processing fees. The exact amounts can vary
depending on nationality, duration of stay, and type of visa required.
While prices fluctuate, depending on the fee charged by law firms, expect to budget around
10,000 – 30,000 THB per person, encompassing both visa and work permit costs.
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2.3. Accounting and Taxation
Accounting and tax compliance are mandatory for businesses in Thailand, and it is wise to
budget for professional services.
Professional accounting firms often offer monthly or annual packages with varying levels of
service, depending on the company’s size and complexity. Typically, smaller businesses may find
more affordable packages, while larger enterprises will likely require more extensive accounting
support leading to higher costs.
Depending on the nature of your business, you may need to factor in the costs of renting or
buying office space. Rent or purchase prices for office space in Thailand vary greatly based on
location, size, and the building’s amenities. Prime locations in Bangkok, such as Sukhumvit,
Sathorn, or CBD zones, naturally have higher costs.
Specific business sectors require additional licenses and permits. Examples include food and
beverage, manufacturing, and certain service industries. Also, note that each license or permit likely
carries associated government application or processing fees.
3. USA
The two most common legal forms for businesses in the USA are the Corporation (C-Corp)
and the Limited Liability Company (LLC).
A C-Corp is a type of corporation that incurs higher founding costs and more complex tax
obligations but offers benefits such as the ability to raise capital on the stock market.
15
An LLC is a type of partnership that is easier to establish and manage but has the
disadvantage that the members are personally liable for the debts of the company.
State registration fees vary depending on the state and chosen business structure.
In most states, the registration fees for an LLC range from $100 to $800. For a corporation,
the fees can range from $50 to $300.
In Delaware, a popular state for business incorporations, the state fees for forming an LLC
range from $50 to $80, and for forming a C-Corp from $800 to $1,200.
Hiring an attorney is not mandatory for starting a company in the USA, but it can be
advisable to avoid mistakes. The costs for legal advice vary depending on the lawyer and the
complexity of the formation.
Costs for legal and consulting services can vary depending on the scope of services and the
expertise of the professional.
Typically, these costs can range from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the individual
requirements of the business.
Obtaining licenses and permits is an essential step in starting a business in the USA. The
costs for licenses and permits can vary depending on the industry and location.
Some industries require special licenses that may involve additional costs. It is important to
research and plan for these costs in advance.
In addition to the above-mentioned costs, there are also other expenses that can arise when
starting a business in the USA.
Name Registration: The business name must be registered with the relevant office. The costs
for this usually range between $20 and $50.
Opening a Bank Account: A bank account is needed for business operations in the USA. The
costs for opening an account vary depending on the bank.
Compliance: It is important to comply with legal frameworks and regulations in the chosen
state. The costs for compliance can vary depending on the industry and size of the business.
C. Taxes and fees to a company doing business in Vietnam, Thailand and USA
1. Taxes and fees imposed on Samsung Electronics when they entered Vietnam market
2. Taxes and fees for Mercedes Benz to enter US market from Germany
(Importing A Car From Germany To USA: A 2024 Detailed Guide, Artemus Group USA,
Jul2024)
Shipping Costs
The cost of shipping a car from Germany to the USA typically ranges from $1,875 to
$3,590. This varies depending on the shipping method you choose, such as Roll-On/Roll-
Off (Ro-Ro) or container shipping. Ro-Ro is usually more affordable, while container
shipping provides better protection but at a higher cost.
Import Duty
Upon arrival, you’ll need to pay import duties. For cars, the duty rate is 2.5% of the
vehicle’s value. Trucks have a higher rate of 25%, and motorcycles may be duty-free or
subject to a 2.4% duty.
Additional Fees
o Port Fees: These can range from $200 to $500 depending on the port of entry.
o Customs Bond: If your car does not meet U.S. standards and requires modification,
a customs bond may be required, usually set at 1.5 times the car’s dutiable value.
o Handling Charges: Charges for loading and unloading the vehicle, especially for
non-operational vehicles, which can add another $100 to $500.
o Insurance: Shipping insurance is recommended to cover any damages during
transit. Costs for insurance vary based on the vehicle’s value.
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→ In total, the cost to import a car from Germany to the USA can range from approximately
$4,000 to $10,000, depending on various factors such as the shipping method, the car’s value, and
any necessary modifications.
The standard corporate income tax rate in Thailand is 20% on net profits. This applies to
IKEA’s profits generated from its operations in the country. Foreign companies, like
IKEA, are subject to this tax on profits made within Thailand.
Thailand has a 7% VAT on goods and services. As such, IKEA must charge this tax on
sales made within the country and return it to the Thai Revenue Department. VAT also
applies to the import of goods into Thailand, which would be relevant for IKEA as many
of its products are imported from foreign countries into the Thai market.
Customs Duties
Since IKEA imports a large number of its products from other countries, it is subject to
customs duties on imported goods. The rates vary depending on the type of product, with
furniture, IKEA’s primary products, generally facing rates around 5-30%.
Withholding Tax
Thailand imposes a withholding tax on certain payments, such as dividends, interest, and
royalties, which may be relevant depending on IKEA’s financial structure and
relationships with its parent company or other entities. The rates for withholding tax range
from 5% to 15%, depending on the type of payment and whether there is a Double
Taxation Agreement (DTA) between Thailand and the other country involved.
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Environmental and Sustainability Regulations
20
REFERENCES
1. Corporate income tax in Vietnam, Acclime, Sep2024.
2. Business Taxes: Importance and Their Role in Business, Brad Sugar, Jan2024)
18. Thailand Annouces Carbon Tax Set to Become Effective in 2025, PRD, 06/2024
21. The Cost of Doing Business in Thailand: Setting Up Your Company, H&P Co.,Ltd
22. Samsung Requests Tax Exemption for its Samsung CE Complex in Vietnam, Charles Small,
Vietnam Briefing, 2015
23. Inter IKEA Group Tax Report FY21, IKEA Group
21
24. Importing A Car From Germany To USA: A 2024 Detailed Guide, Artemus Group USA,
Jul2024
25. How does the corporate income tax work?, Briefing Book, Jan2024
26. The value-added tax brings in billions for other countries, but the U.S. doesn’t have one,
CNBC, Jun2021
27. Impose a Tax on Consumption, Congressional Budget Office, Dec2022
28. All You Need to Know About US Import Tax and Duties, LogisticsAdvice, Sep2023
29. What Is Double Taxation—and How Can Expats Avoid It?, Dave McKeegan, Apr2024
30. Tax Requirements When Hiring a Foreign Contractor, T.J. Porter, Collective
31. ENVIRONMENTAL TAXATION IN THE UNITED STATES: THE LONG VIEW, Janet E.
Milne, Apr2011
32. US Tax Compliance, Tax Advisory Partnership
33.
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PEER EVALUATION
TT COMPLETE
NAME ID TASKS NOTE
RATE
- Introduction, Conclusion
composer
Nguyễn Thị - Slide Designer
Hà Vy
1 11226997 100%
(leader) - Presentative
23
PEER REVIEW FORM
Group Members
Evaluator
Nguyễn Thị Hà Vy Nguyễn Chính Minh Nguyễn Minh Đức Phạm Trung Kiên
Nguyễn Thị Hà Vy 4 4 4
24