Introduction

Mastering accounting and tax in vietnam for a foreign-invested enterprise involves much more than simply filing returns on time. Contracts, e-invoices, bank payments, accounting records, transfer-pricing files, and supporting data must tell a consistent story. This guide explains the principal 2026 requirements in practical language for new investors.

1. Accounting framework and financial statements

Companies incorporated in Vietnam must maintain accounting records and prepare financial statements under Vietnamese accounting law. VAS remains the usual statutory basis. The IFRS/VFRS roadmap should be followed through official decisions and implementing guidance; companies should not assume that every enterprise became subject to mandatory VFRS on 1 January 2026.

Foreign-invested companies commonly prepare VAS financial statements for Vietnam and additional IFRS or group-GAAP adjustments for consolidation. A documented reconciliation between the reporting bases is essential.

2. Corporate income tax (CIT)

The 2025 Law on Corporate Income Tax introduced revenue-based rates alongside project, sector and location incentives. Eligibility and exclusions must be checked before applying the 15% or 17% rates; the general rate is 20% where a lower or preferential rate does not apply.

In-scope multinational groups must assess Vietnam’s Qualified Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax and related filings. The EUR750 million consolidated-revenue threshold is tested under Resolution 107/2023/QH15 at group level, not merely by reference to the Vietnamese entity’s revenue.

An eligible small or medium enterprise registering for the first time may qualify for a three-year CIT exemption under Decree 20/2026/ND-CP. It is not an automatic exemption for every new company; restructuring, conversion and related-party exclusions must be reviewed.

3. VAT and e-invoices

The standard VAT rate is generally 10%. During 2026, qualifying goods and services are reduced from 10% to 8% through 31 December 2026, while excluded categories remain subject to their applicable rates. Classification should be performed by supply, not by applying 8% to all revenue.

For an invoice of VND5 million or more, evidence of non-cash payment is an important condition for input-VAT credit and CIT deductibility, subject to statutory exceptions. Deferred and instalment purchases require additional monitoring at the contractual payment date.

E-invoices must be issued at the correct time, contain the prescribed information and be adjusted or replaced in accordance with Decree 123/2020/ND-CP, Decree 70/2025/ND-CP and related guidance. It is inaccurate to describe every transaction as being transmitted in real time because the mechanism depends on the invoice type and applicable model.

4. Personal income tax (PIT)

A tax resident is generally taxed on worldwide income, while a non-resident is taxed on Vietnam-related income under the applicable rules. Residence depends on days of presence and permanent accommodation, together with the ability to demonstrate residence in another jurisdiction where relevant.

For the 2026 tax year, the personal deduction is VND15.5 million per month and the dependent deduction is VND6.2 million per month. Employment income of residents is subject to progressive rates; non-resident employment income is generally taxed at 20%.

5. Foreign contractor tax (FCT)

FCT may arise where a foreign organisation conducts business or earns Vietnam-sourced income under a contract with a Vietnamese party. The rate depends on the substance of the supply, filing method and contract terms; the invoice label alone is not decisive.

For software, distinguish a licence or royalty from software services and bundled support. A payment may be subject to deemed CIT but exempt from VAT, or the taxable service element may need to be separated. Contracts should clearly state gross/net pricing and tax responsibility.

6. Transfer pricing and supporting files

A company transacting with its parent, affiliates or other controlled parties must assess related-party disclosure and local file, master file and country-by-country reporting requirements. Pricing policies, agreements, invoices and evidence that services were actually received should be consistent.

7. Compliance calendar and internal controls

Deadlines vary by tax, filing method and tax period. Companies should maintain a dedicated compliance calendar rather than rely on one universal date. Where a deadline falls on a holiday, the tax-administration rules determine the applicable due date.

Conclusion

Accounting and tax in Vietnam should be managed as a continuous data system: contracts, invoices, banking records, ledgers and tax returns must reconcile. TT Collab supports tax-structure reviews, accounting coordination, pre-audit file checks and practical compliance calendars.

Key Legal Basis

• Law on Accounting No. 88/2015/QH13 and implementing guidance.
• Law on Corporate Income Tax No. 67/2025/QH15; Decree 320/2025/ND-CP; Circular 20/2026/TT-BTC.
• Law on VAT No. 48/2024/QH15, as amended; Decree 181/2025/ND-CP, as amended by Decree 144/2026/ND-CP. The 8% rate reduction through 31 December 2026 discussed in Section 3 is separately based on Resolution 204/2025/QH15 and Decree 174/2025/ND-CP.
• Decree 123/2020/ND-CP, as amended by Decree 70/2025/ND-CP; Circular 32/2025/TT-BTC.
• Law on Personal Income Tax No. 109/2025/QH15; Resolution 110/2025/UBTVQH15.
• Resolution 107/2023/QH15 on global minimum tax.
• Circular 103/2014/TT-BTC on foreign contractor tax.
• Law on Tax Administration No. 108/2025/QH15 and implementing guidance.