Thailand Personal Income Tax Filing for Expats
We are happy to assist you in preparing your tax return and achieving the best possible tax result for you. And that’s not all: We advise you throughout the year on all income tax matters, submit all applications for tax reductions on your behalf, and check your tax assessment. We also handle all communication with the tax office for you so you can focus on more important things.
We have a comprehensive guide for you below:
Tax Filing Season in Thailand
Every year, between January 1st and April 8th, taxpayers in Thailand face personal income tax filing season. This is especially important if you earned income in Thailand during the previous year (2023 in this case).
Who is a Thai Tax Resident?
Understanding your residency status is crucial. Thai tax law defines a resident as someone who stays in Thailand for 180 days or more in a calendar year. Even the day you arrive or depart counts as one full day. Keep copies of your passport for verification. As a resident, a full tax year applies to you.
Filing Your Return
There are two options for filing:
- Hard Copy: Submit paper returns (form PND90/91) to the Revenue Department Area Office by March 31st. Payment (cash or cheque) is also due by this date. Late filers incur a 1.5% monthly surcharge and a fine (THB200). Up to three-month installments with no interest are available.
- E-Filing: Submit electronically through the Revenue Department’s website (www.rd.go.th) by April 8th.
Tax Rates
Residents and non-residents share the same tax bracket, ranging from 0% to 35%. However, there are key differences in how income is taxed.
Foreign Income for Residents
If you’re a resident bringing foreign income into Thailand in the same year it’s earned, it will be taxed in Thailand. This includes income from previous jobs abroad or foreign sources like capital gains, rental income, and interest.
Foreign Income for Non-Residents
Non-residents can bring in foreign income without triggering Thai taxes.
Deductions for Dependents
Residents can claim deductions for a dependent spouse and up to three dependent children (who don’t earn income in the tax year). Even spouses and children living abroad can qualify. Required documents include copies of passports (including blank pages), marriage certificates, and children’s birth certificates. For children aged 20-25, student status proof (like tuition receipts) is required. Non-residents can claim these deductions if their dependents are Thai residents (with similar document requirements).
Tax Savings Strategies
Expat employees have options to reduce their tax burden through various deductions:
- Personal deductions (THB 60,000 for taxpayer and spouse, THB 30,000 per child, limited to 3)
- Long-term equity fund (LTF) investments (up to THB 500,000 annually)
- Donations to charities (up to 10% of net income) with receipts
- Spouse’s life insurance premiums (up to THB 10,000) if spouse do not have an income.
- Spouse’s dependent parents’ allowance (up to THB 30,000 each)
- Health insurance premiums for yourself (up to THB 25,000 Purchase from Thai company)
Tax Refunds
The size of your refund depends on your tax bracket. Higher brackets (35%) can see significant savings, especially with LTF purchases.
Additional Tips
- Include a mailing address in Thailand on your return.
- Cash your tax refund cheque within six months of issuance.
Feel free to contact us with any questions about establishing a business at [email protected] or +66 2 026 3284.
Fabian Doppler
Fabian is a founding partner of FRANK Legal & Tax. He focuses his practice on corporate / commercial and real estate law, as well as litigation. He is admitted to the Bar of Stuttgart, Germany, where he actively practiced law before coming to Thailand in 2005.
