On June 1, during a regular Government press conference, Deputy Minister of Finance Nguyen Duc Chi announced that individuals earning revenue and income from livestream sales will be required to declare and pay personal income tax. He explained that livestreaming online sales activities generate income, making them subject to tax laws, similar to other forms of e-commerce.
Livestreaming has become increasingly popular, especially on e-commerce platforms, with McKinsey & Company forecasting that live shopping could contribute up to 20% of total e-commerce sales by early 2026. This activity not only benefits sellers but also the individuals who are hired to livestream. According to the Personal Income Tax Law, income from livestream sales is considered taxable, with individuals earning over 100 million VND annually required to declare and pay taxes.
To enhance tax management in this area, the Ministry of Finance proposed amending regulations to require owners of e-commerce platforms to declare and pay taxes on behalf of individuals conducting business on their platforms. This approach aims to streamline tax declaration processes, reduce administrative costs, and simplify tax collection for the entire society.
Moreover, the Ministry of Finance highlighted that exchanges possess comprehensive information on transactions, revenue, and costs related to e-commerce activities, enabling them to act as tax collectors. The General Department of Taxation will further study and implement this solution to ensure its efficacy and alignment with international practices.
Minister Ho Duc Phoc outlined the finance sector’s focus on collecting taxes from domestic e-commerce platforms and online trading businesses during a National Assembly session on May 23. Efforts to enhance data connectivity with relevant agencies in electronic form will support effective management of e-commerce channels and monitor online payments.
In conclusion, the tax industry aims to increase non-cash payments in the e-commerce sector by requiring individuals earning revenue and income from livestream sales
