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Will I have to pay taxes in Thailand if I'm on a DTV visa for an extended period?
Thailand Tax RegulationsDTV VisaExpats in ThailandTax ResidencyVisa Rules and RegulationsInternational Taxation
Nov 14, 2024
a year ago
Anonymous *************
ORIGINAL POSTERHi, are you worried about being asked to pay taxes after you have been in Thailand for a while with DTV?
TLDR : Answer Summary
Many expats living in Thailand with a DTV (Digital Nomad Visa) express little concern about taxation. While staying for more than 180 days categorizes them as tax residents, comments reflect a general sentiment that the Thai tax authorities struggle to impose taxes even on residents, especially if income is earned abroad. Several contributors mention that under six months of stay keeps them tax-free, while others cite Double Taxation Agreements (DTA) with their home countries as a source of reassurance. Overall, the consensus leans towards a lack of worry regarding impending taxes.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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Elías ********
I'll be "worried" if I made millions of USD. But, as it's not the case, not really worried haha.
Dennis ************
No
Toni *******
No, my country has DTA with Thailand
Steve ********
Tourists don't pay tax in Thailand as they have a permanent home elsewhere
Wesley ********
@Steve *******
irrelevant, if they hit the 180days threshold.Steve ********
@Wesley *******
Very relevant. Never known tourists to pay income tax in Thailand, even though this 180 day law has been around for decades!Reply to
Steve ********
Reply
Ray *****
Not one bit. Realise the Thai tax department struggle to tax their own citizens
20 years here no tax I'd and don't think I will ever see one
20 years here no tax I'd and don't think I will ever see one
Paul *******
@Ray ****
Exactly my thoughts. One day, maybe, they'll enforce things but for the foreseeable future I don't think they have the resources or will to do so.Reply to
Paul *******
Reply
Paul *******
No, unless immigration at land borders or airports start asking for tax proof when entering or leaving (which I don't see happening).
Regmi *******
If you stay 180 days or more in Thailand, you are considered a tax resident.
Paul *******
@Regmi ******
Which is unlikely to be enforced for a DTV holder especially if you don't have any dealings with immigration.Regmi *******
The 180 days tax resident status goes a long way back...
& if you are residing in a foreign country, you have to deal with Immigration sooner or later.
& if you are residing in a foreign country, you have to deal with Immigration sooner or later.
Paul *******
@Regmi ******
No, you won't. There is no enforcement if you're coming and going by air or land. If this is enforced, it will be done at in country immigration offices.Elías ********
@Regmi ******
With the DTV? Nope. I will exit Thailand always before 180 days (and very probable before 90 days) each time, not due to taxes or Immigration matters, but due to the nature of my job (my permanent house is located 6 hours and US$300-400 roundtrip, by plane). In this case, it is very very unlikely that I'd have to deal with Immigration during the 5 year period.Regmi *******
@Elías *******
in your case, i agree. However, you also might want to keep a tally on total days spent in Thailand in a year.Elías ********
@Regmi ******
Yes. Good idea. Do you know if it is 180 continuous days on a calendar year, like from Jan. to Dec. any given year, or 180 continuous day, no matter how?Tore *********
@Elías *******
its 180 total days spent. Doesn’t matter if you leave and come back. If you spend more than 180 days in thailand within the same calendar year (jan-dec) you are considered tax resident regardless of type of visa.Regmi *******
@Elías *******
*****************************************************************************************
From Revenue Department, says calendar year.
Reply to
Regmi *******
Reply
Nick *******
We're living in paradise. I'm ok paying taxes.
Paul *******
@Nick ******
But getting nothing in return. Still having to pay farang prices and possibly that 300 Baht entry tax on each and every re-entry.ZenMa******
@Paul ******
Shame on you reallyThomas ********
@Paul ******
You’re absolutely getting benefits from the taxes you would pay.Andi ***********
@Paul ******
Is that inc in the airfare ?Paul *******
@Andi **********
Not sure. They're discussing it as an online interface, where you'd have to make payment before arrival. If it happens, it will definitely be incorporated into the planned ETA system BUT anyone who holds a visa shouldn't be required to get an ETA nor make an additional tourist tax payment, not even DTV holders.At this point, it's all speculative, but the latest news does suggest it won't be included in airfares nor will they use kiosks...they'd rather use an online system, whereby payment is made before travel commences.
Andi ***********
@Paul ******
oh ok, most likely link it to the ETA to increase payment avoidance.Paul *******
@Andi **********
Yes, indeed. That's what has been mentioned recently. If they only impose it on visa exempt arrivals, it will be a true tourist tax.Elías ********
@Andi **********
I think it's a new tax they're currently discussing.Reply to
Elías ********
Reply
Nick *******
@Paul ******
that's an extremely small price to enjoy a happy lifePaul *******
@Nick ******
Extra taxes, whatever form they come in are the opposite of happiness. They cause anxiety and worry. Not something you want if you're looking to find happiness. Of course, no one is forced to visit dual pricing venues. However, if this proposed 300 Baht tax comes into force, it could affect most, or even all expats.
At this point, it's just a proposal and hasn't been voted on, but it's worrying that it's been brought back.
Brian *********
@Paul ******
so you feel you should get to use the roads, fire dept, public works, infrastructure for free because it’s not as nice as what you’re used to?Paul *******
@Brian ********
What a ridiculous comment. I pay VAT, expressway tolls, fuel taxes like everyone else. Fire department? Who uses that? Not even Thais ever call the fire department. You're being absurdly ridiculous.Brian *********
@Paul ******
I think expecting to not pay taxes is absurdly ridiculous so the feeling is mutual.Reply to
Brian *********
Reply
Andi ***********
Stay under 6mths you are Tax Free in Thailand
Regmi *******
@Andi **********
under 6 months in a year** :)Andi ***********
@Regmi ******
YeahReply to
Andi ***********
Reply
Jens ********
your question points towards a plan of government to change the law, so in future they can also tax money which wasn't earned through a thai customer, but still you were here when earning it? these thoughts/plans exist, yet no implementation. it might be difficult to track this money, if it was earned overseas and doesn't touch thai grounds/banks. if it does come to a thai bank, there is a good risk that it might be taxed in future…
Michael *******
@Jens *******
in all developped country you need to pay tax on foreigner income 😅Jens ********
@Michael ******
that is not true at all. consider again. many individual rules and Exceptions. Ireland, Dubai, Malta and so on…Michael *******
@Jens *******
okay, you give me the list of tax paradise 😀 , if you pickup usa, france, Belgium,Netherlands, germany, UK, Australia, ... no tax hole, the general rule is you pay tax on any incomeJens ********
@Michael ******
at least they try… they can't tax what they don't know about…Michael *******
@Jens *******
this is valid for every country :) honestly I feel so happy to stop pay tax in my country that I will pay (lower) in thailand with happiness .. but for what I understand if I live on saving I don't need to pay tax in thailand, I give it back to thailand ( thai people ) in other way ;)Jens ********
@Michael ******
tax is about money you earn now onwards… be careful with low thai tax… some (home)countries still charge the balance… so it is good to perform a full disconnection, not one foot on each side of the river…Michael *******
@Jens *******
yes, I am busy to do the full disconnection, but normally If you spend >6 month in thailand it should be okay ( if you don't keep family and business in the home country ), I wait to get more information from lawyer here .. in my country I don't get a lot of information except my bank will not take tax when I can prove I live other country ...Ben **********
@Michael ******
don’t forget some countries also have a double tax agreement with Thailand and many others, for example income I’ve earned and paid tax on in Australia I don’t pay tax on in Thailand because of the countries tax treaty with one another.Reply to
Ben **********
Reply
Pete *******
Nope
Mar *****
Nope
Reply to
Mar *****
Reply
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