On 10 February 2021, the Ministry of Finance ("MOF") has issued Notice No.0831/MOF on the registration of Taxpayer Identification Numbers ("TINs") for individuals ("Notice"), including domestic and foreign individuals who have income in the territory of Lao PDR.
Under the Notice, domestic and foreign individuals, including civil servants, officials, soldiers, police, businesspeople, retailers, and online sellers, as well as sportspersons, performers, technicians, experts/specialists, consultants, employers, employees, workers, and labourers must register and obtain a TIN at a local tax office by 30 June 2021.
The required documents and information to be submitted for registration at local tax offices are the following:
- Valid ID Card/passport;
- Family registration book;
- All registered phone numbers;
- Occupation (must clearly specify the place of work, position, etc);
- All bank accounts; and
- Social security card number.
The Notice is issued in accordance with (i) Article 6 of the Law on Income Tax which provides that individuals, legal entities, or organisations that earn income from business operations or professional activities and other sources must pay income tax and must have a TIN; and (ii) Article 21 of the Tax Administration Law, which requires Lao citizens, aliens, foreigners, stateless persons, legal entities, or organisations conducting business activities or other income-generating activities inside or outside Lao PDR to pay taxes and obtain TINs.
The Notice aims to: (i) monitor domestic and foreign individuals who derive income in Lao PDR; (ii) manage the database of income earners to be able to collect revenue for the state budget accurately, completely, transparently, and fairly; and (iii) contribute to the socio-economic development of the nation. Through the Notice, MOF urges individuals to perform their obligations to the state by paying their taxes under the laws. Violations thereof will be dealt with strictly.
