Ngành Thuế Lên Tiếng! Hộ Kinh Doanh Có Đang Bị Siết Chặt?

Summary

The video discusses the confusion and panic caused by Vietnam's new e-invoice policy under Decree No. 70, 2023. The decree mandates electronic invoices from cash registers for business households with annual revenues over 1 billion VND, primarily in retail and service sectors. Miscommunication led to widespread closures, particularly among small businesses who misunderstood the scope of the policy. Experts emphasize the need for clearer communication, a transition period, and technical support to ensure successful implementation. The video highlights the importance of policy transparency and support to prevent economic disruption and build trust between businesses and the government.

Takeaways

• 😀 Takeaway 1: The introduction of Decree No. 70, 2023, requires only a small group of large-scale business households to use electronic invoices from cash registers, aimed at improving tax management and transparency.
• 😀 Takeaway 2: The e-invoice policy has led to widespread panic and confusion among small businesses due to inadequate communication, despite it only applying to businesses with annual revenue exceeding 1 billion VND.
• 😀 Takeaway 3: The vast majority of small businesses, street vendors, and those earning less than 1 billion VND per year are not subject to the e-invoice mandate, but many are closing operations out of fear.
• 😀 Takeaway 4: Poor communication from local tax authorities and misinformation spread by social media contributed significantly to the misunderstanding and panic surrounding the new policy.
• 😀 Takeaway 5: Many small traders voluntarily closed their businesses, fearing audits or penalties for not using electronic invoices, even though they are not required to do so.
• 😀 Takeaway 6: The closure of businesses was particularly noticeable in Ho Chi Minh City, where a mass closure was observed, with only a small percentage being legally required to implement the new invoice system.
• 😀 Takeaway 7: The simultaneous crackdown on counterfeit goods, part of a broader national inspection campaign, also fueled the sense of insecurity among small businesses.
• 😀 Takeaway 8: Technology and investment costs associated with implementing the new e-invoice system posed a barrier for many small traders, especially older individuals or those with limited digital skills.
• 😀 Takeaway 9: Clear and timely communication, including simple language and visual aids, is essential to prevent misinformation and public panic during policy transitions.
• 😀 Takeaway 10: Experts suggest providing free or subsidized software, technical support, and a transitional period to ensure the successful implementation of e-invoicing without harming small businesses.

Q & A

What is the core objective of Decree No. 70, 2023, which introduced mandatory e-invoices from cash registers for certain businesses?

The core objective is to strengthen control over the actual revenue of large-scale business households, avoid tax fraud, and combat state budget losses, especially in sectors like food and beverage, retail, and passenger transport. It aims to create a transparent and modern public finance system.

Who is required to use e-invoices generated from cash registers under Decree No. 70, 2023?

The decree applies only to business households with annual revenue of over 1 billion VND, operating in specific sectors such as retail, food and beverage, restaurants, hotels, and passenger transport. Small businesses with revenue below 1 billion VND are not subject to this regulation.

How did miscommunication contribute to widespread panic among small business owners?

The policy communication was inconsistent, with unclear notifications from local tax authorities and misleading reports in the press and on social media, leading to confusion. Many small traders misunderstood that all businesses were required to use e-invoices, causing them to panic and close their businesses.

What were the main reasons small businesses closed their operations in May 2025?

The mass closures were primarily due to misunderstandings about the e-invoice policy. Fear of being penalized for not using cash registers, combined with the ongoing national crackdown on counterfeit goods, led many businesses to temporarily close their doors to avoid potential fines or inspections.

What impact did the e-invoice regulation have on small traders, particularly in traditional markets?

Small traders, especially in traditional markets, were impacted by the fear of tax audits and fines. Many businesses that were not even required to use e-invoices chose to close out of caution, disrupting the market structure and causing a temporary shift toward larger supermarkets and convenience stores.

What is the role of digital transformation in this policy and how should it be approached?

Digital transformation is essential to bring the informal economy into the formal sector, promoting transparency and minimizing tax losses. However, it should not be forced. A gradual, step-by-step approach, with clear communication and support, is necessary to ensure businesses are not left behind.

Why were there concerns about the costs of implementing the e-invoice policy for small businesses?

Small businesses, especially older traders, were concerned about the high costs of purchasing the necessary technology, including cash registers, software, printers, and network connections. Many also feared technical difficulties, such as not being able to issue invoices on time or lacking a stable internet connection.

What role did rumors play in the widespread closures of businesses?

Rumors, especially on social media and in small trader groups, played a major role in spreading fear. False information about mandatory e-invoice usage, penalties for non-compliance, and the introduction of strict inspections caused panic among traders, many of whom closed their businesses preemptively to avoid potential issues.

What measures are being taken by the government to clarify the e-invoice policy?

The General Department of Taxation issued a press release clarifying that the e-invoice policy applies only to businesses with annual revenue of over 1 billion VND and does not increase taxes. Local tax offices are also sending letters to businesses, providing clear guidance, holding training sessions, and offering technical consulting to ensure businesses understand their obligations.

What lessons can be learned from the response to Decree No. 70, 2023, and its implementation?

Key lessons include the importance of timely, clear, and accessible communication, especially for small traders with limited access to technology. Policies should be implemented with a clear transition period and adequate support, including training and subsidies for technology adoption, to prevent misunderstandings and unnecessary panic.