Thailand launches tax rebate scheme with 50,000 baht cap
The Thai government has introduced the easy e-receipts initiative, allowing eligible purchases to be deducted from personal income tax. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat confirmed the Cabinet’s approval of the scheme, which is set to roll out from January 16 to February 28 next year. The deductions will be applicable for the 2026 tax filing period.
Participants in this programme can enjoy tax rebates on purchases capped at 50,000 baht (US$1,460) per person. This includes up to 30,000 baht (US$880) on goods from shops registered for value-added tax (VAT) and up to 20,000 baht (US$585) on items from community enterprise outlets or One-Tambon-One-Product (Otop) shops.
However, several categories are excluded from the programme, such as liquor, beer, tobacco, cars, insurance policies, petrol, and internet fees.
Julapun expressed optimism, stating, “The measure is expected to generate around 70 billion baht (US$2 billion for the economy.”
Contrary to previous speculation, the easy e-receipt programme will not cover expenses related to travel or packaged tours. Julapun explained that stimulating tourism might not be necessary at this time, as the high season is currently ongoing.
In addition to the new tax initiative, the Cabinet has also green-lit the second phase of a cash handout scheme. Targeting individuals aged 60 or older who previously registered through the Tang Rath application, this scheme offers a 10,000-baht (US$290) handout.
To qualify, recipients must earn less than 840,000 baht (US$24,570) annually and have less than 500,000 baht (US$14,625) in combined bank savings.
Eligible participants will receive their funds via the PromtPay account system before January 29, according to Julapun, reported Bangkok Post.
In related news, collection by the Revenue Department has shown a notable increase in the first two months of fiscal 2025, with a 2.1% year-on-year growth. The surge is largely credited to initiatives aimed at integrating individuals outside the tax system into compliance, along with intensified measures against tax evasion.
