Summary of New Points in the Corporate Income Tax Law 2025 (Law No. 67/2025/QH15)

1. E-commerce platforms and digital platforms subject to corporate income tax

According to point e, clause 3, Article 2 of the Corporate Income Tax Law 2025, e-commerce platforms and digital platforms used by foreign enterprises to provide goods and services in Vietnam will be subject to corporate income tax. This is an important step to effectively manage tax collection for booming digital business and e-commerce activities in Vietnam.

2. Expansion of tax-exempt income categories

The Corporate Income Tax Law 2025, under Article 4, expands the types of income exempt from tax, including:

• Income from transferring emission reduction certificates and carbon credit transfers for the first time after issuance by enterprises granted emission reduction certificates and carbon credits.
• Interest income from green bonds.
• Income from the first-time transfer of green bonds after issuance.

This encourages businesses to participate in sustainable development and environmental protection activities.

3. Tax incentives for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)

According to Article 10 of the Corporate Income Tax Law 2025, preferential tax rates are applied as follows:

• A 15% tax rate for enterprises with revenue not exceeding VND 3 billion.
• A 17% tax rate for enterprises with revenue between VND 3 billion and VND 50 billion.

However, these preferential rates do not apply to subsidiaries or enterprises with related parties where the related enterprises do not meet the eligibility criteria.

4. Expansion of industries eligible for corporate income tax incentives

The 2025 Law expands the list of industries eligible for corporate income tax incentives as specified in Article 12, including:

• High-tech enterprises and agricultural enterprises applying high technology under the High-Tech Law 2008.
• Science, technology, and innovation enterprises under the Law on Science and Technology 2013.
• Facilities supporting SMEs, including technical infrastructure, business incubation centers, and shared working spaces for innovative startups under the Law on Support for SMEs 2017.
• Journalism activities, including advertising on newspapers under the Press Law 2016.

This expansion aims to encourage key sectors driving innovation and sustainable development.

5. Amendments to tax exemption and reduction regulations

Article 14 of the 2025 Law provides detailed regulations on tax exemption and reduction policies:

• Tax exemption for up to 4 years and 50% tax reduction for up to 9 subsequent years for incomes of enterprises in prioritized sectors and locations.
• Tax exemption for up to 2 years and 50% tax reduction for up to 4 subsequent years for other enterprises.
• The Prime Minister may extend tax exemption and reduction periods by up to 1.5 times for new investment projects.

The tax exemption and reduction period starts from the first year the enterprise generates taxable income or from the 4th year if no taxable income arises within the first 3 years.

6. Corporate income tax calculation period from October 1, 2025

According to Article 5 of the Law, the tax calculation period is based on the calendar year or fiscal year chosen by the enterprise. If the enterprise opts for a fiscal year different from the calendar year, it must notify the tax authority before implementation. Enterprises under special regulations follow specific tax calculation periods accordingly.

7. Responsibilities of tax authorities in receiving corporate income tax declaration dossiers

Pursuant to Article 48 of the 2019 Law on Tax Administration, tax authorities are responsible for receiving tax declaration dossiers via:

• Direct submission at tax offices.
• Postal mail.
• Electronic submission via the tax authority’s online portal.

If the dossiers are incomplete or incorrect, the tax authority must notify the taxpayer within 3 working days from the receipt date.

Conclusion

The Corporate Income Tax Law 2025 (Law No. 67/2025/QH15) marks a significant shift in Vietnam’s tax policy, especially by expanding taxable subjects, increasing incentives for SMEs, and supporting high-tech, innovative, and sustainable sectors. Enterprises need to understand these updates to adjust operations and fully leverage tax benefits.