Do I need to file personal income taxes in Thailand if I received my work permit in December?

If your first pay check was in January, you do not have to file. I usually file and pay my taxes at the end of Feb. Since I turned 65 2 years ago, I do not file or pay Thai taxes.

Thailand has a similar tax year like the US, beginning Jan 1 and ending roughly April.

As a US citizen, you need to report your income anywhere you work... Whether you decide if you're going to work under the table is up to you. For Thailand, you should file your taxes with the provincial Dept of Revenue, or pay someone to do it for you if you don't want to deal with it.

If your employer is paying your taxes, ask for a Tax ID # and get it in writing whatever they said to you about your tax situation. Just incase you file later in Thailand and you find out they never paid and YOU owe money.

My employer said they didn't have to file because I didn't make a certain amount. However, when I talked to my Thai lawyer, they said I must file, but it's likely I don't pay anything since my income was low. Additionally, I had to establish my own Tax ID #, which the employer should have done... Which they didn't do.

If I were you, I'd join the Teachers Rights in Thailand group on Facebook, where many people cover this topic... It's something along that name.

Best to consult with a someone experienced with tax laws for Thailand and the US to be safe.

Most importantly, when did you get your first salary from this employer? I think the work permit defense is the employers way of hiding the fact they had you working prior to receiving the work permit, which is illegal.

I pay my taxes here in thailand monthly. This may not be the definitive answer, jut how my accountant does it. I would make an appointment with the business accountant and get an answer directly from them.