PM offers e-refund sop to Thais not eligible for digital handout
Thai citizens who are not eligible for the government’s digital wallet scheme can avail of “e-refund”, a tax refund programme that offers tax rebate of up to 50,000 baht, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on Friday.
Srettha announced while amending the eligibility requirements for the 10,000 baht digital wallet scheme.
Those who earn above 70,000 baht a month, or have a bank balance over 500,000 baht, are no longer eligible for the digital wallet handout, but can get a maximum 50,000 baht tax deduction for spending on goods and services, the PM revealed.
The revision in eligibility for the digital wallet handout has led to the exclusion of 3.5 million people.
Sretha, who is also the Finance Minister, said that the e-refund programme would allow Thai citizens to claim tax deductions.
Participants will need to submit their tax returns with corresponding receipts, and the government will reimburse the taxed amount.
To be eligible for the e-refund, citizens will have to purchase goods and services from businesses that are part of the tax system, especially businesses that issue electronic invoices.
The twin initiatives aim to stimulate the economy while encouraging businesses to integrate more into the digital tax system, moving towards future e-government, Srettha said.
The e-refund scheme is set to commence in January 2024.
