The General Department of Taxation plans to launch the first version of an electronic tax mobile app (Etax-mobile) this month.

This app will be for individuals to use first, according to the general department. It will make it easier to make tax payments and will also be a safer way of dealing with the department during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the past, the department provided electronic tax services for businesses and individuals. Up to 99 per cent of businesses nationwide have used electronic tax services and put digital signatures on electronic tax documents sent to the tax authorities.

This is part of the implementation of the National Digital Transformation Programme from 2025 and toward 2030 approved by the Prime Minister. It has a goal of having 80 per cent of level-4 online public services provided via different electronic devices by 2025, including mobile phones.

However, the department has found that most individuals do not yet have a lot of knowledge about tax policies and services.

Individuals have rarely used electronic tax services because the software is not as convenient as the business software. There are very few electronic tax declaration forms for individuals and there is no electronic tax payment service or information about tax obligations.

To solve these problems, the general department has developed the Etax-mobile app. The first version of this app will be available on iOS and Android platforms for individual use.

It will have many of the same functions as the e-tax web-based system and will also have functions to support individuals in online tax payments by connecting to banking payment apps.

It said for 60 million individuals with tax codes, using the Etax-mobile will make it easier to access tax administrative procedures and contact tax authorities. Individuals will be able to make their tax payment anywhere.

The Etax-mobile app for individuals is an important solution to meet the requirements of limiting direct contact while major cities are under Directive 16 social distancing measures.

After launching this app, the general department will solicit feedback from organisations and individuals to refine the app. It will also speed up the signing of agreements with payment intermediaries and banks to implement electronic tax payments. — VNS