The state charges no fee for tax refunds. The costs of a value-added tax (VAT) refund for a new investment project consist only of tax advisory service fees (if the enterprise hires one) and administrative costs of preparing the dossier — there is no state levy to pay.
Conditions for a VAT refund on a new investment project
- The business entity pays VAT under the credit method and has a new investment project still in the investment phase.
- After offsetting, uncredited input VAT of VND 300 million or more remains → eligible for refund.
- Time limit: 01 year.
Basis: Clause 2, Article 15 of the Law on Value-Added Tax 48/2024/QH15; Article 30 of Decree 181/2025/ND-CP. Note: Law 48/2024 has been amended and supplemented several times — check the latest consolidated text before applying, to confirm the refund conditions have not changed.
What do the actual costs include?
- Tax advisory service fee: by agreement, if the enterprise hires an adviser to support the refund dossier.
- Administrative costs: preparing dossiers and documents, and travel for working with tax authorities.
Distinguish clearly: state levies vs. service costs
“No refund fee” is true only in the sense that the state collects no levy; the enterprise may still incur service and administrative costs. It should not be presented or understood as “completely free.”
Legal notice: This article was drafted by artificial intelligence (AI) and has passed a quality review process (QA council). The information is for reference only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws may be amended or supplemented; readers should verify the validity of legal documents at the time of application and consult a lawyer before making decisions.
Transparency label: This article was drafted by AI and reviewed by the QA council.
Legal content reviewed by the FLAW AI Legal Council and submitted to the owner for approval; not a practicing lawyer’s opinion, not a substitute for legal advice on a specific matter.