More than 31,000 billion VND in VAT refunds for the first quarter of 2025

According to information from the Ministry of Finance, in the recent past, the tax authority has effectively implemented electronic tax refunds at a rate of 99%. Of which, about 86% of value-added tax (VAT) refund dossiers under the "refund first, check later" category have been quickly processed by the tax authority within 6 working days from the date of receiving complete dossiers from taxpayers.

In 2024, the whole industry issued 19,806 tax refund decisions with a total refund amount of VND 156,941 billion, an increase of 5% over the same period in 2023. In the first 3 months of 2025 alone, 3,911 decisions were issued with a total value-added tax (VAT) refund amount of VND 31,128 billion, an increase of 6% over the same period in 2024.

This result has contributed positively to supporting businesses and investors in capital turnover, promoting production, business and export. However, according to taxpayers' feedback, in some localities, the progress of processing VAT refund dossiers is still slow, not meeting the time requirements as prescribed.

In 2024, the whole industry issued 19,806 tax refund decisions with a total tax refund amount of VND 156,941 billion, an increase of 5% over the same period in 2023. Photo: CP

To continue improving the efficiency of VAT refunds and creating maximum convenience for businesses and investors, the Tax Department (Ministry of Finance) requires the tax sector to seriously implement a number of key contents. In particular, organizing a review of businesses with export activities of goods, services and investment projects in the area.

Proactively guide and support businesses and investors right from the tax declaration stage, preparing tax refund application files to ensure completeness and compliance with regulations, avoiding taxpayers encountering difficulties and problems during the implementation process.

Besides, Direct functional departments to review and summarize all outstanding VAT refund application files. Classify files by subject group and item, especially key export items such as textiles, footwear, wood and wood products, agricultural products, seafood, iron and steel, electronic components, etc.

Clearly identify difficulties, obstacles and deadlines for resolving each file. Arrange adequate human resources, assign specific tasks; organize weekly monitoring and progress checks.

For taxpayers with a good compliance history, qualified records, no signs of risk, and tax refunds made within the prescribed time limit. For records with high risks, signs of fraud, invoice trading, and tax refund profiteering, it is necessary to coordinate with competent authorities to inspect and verify. Tax Departments shall issue written notices to taxpayers and coordinate handling after receiving conclusions from competent authorities.

The Tax Department also requested that Tax Branches assign civil servants to manage and support businesses, directly guide taxpayers; organize dialogues and work with associations, businesses, and investors from April 15, 2025 to April 29, 2025 to remove obstacles and promptly resolve issues within their authority.

The Tax Department sets a target: By the end of May 2025, there will be no overdue files, except for high-risk files and files suspected of tax fraud that are being verified and inspected.

Nguyen Hoa

Source: https://congthuong.vn/hon-31000-ty-dong-hoan-thue-vat-quy-i2025-382699.html