Accepting cash to “avoid taxes” may be a crime of tax evasion

In cases of intentional concealment of revenue, dishonest and incomplete tax declaration, additional tax will be collected, tax will be assessed, penalties for false declaration, tax evasion will be imposed, and criminal liability may even be prosecuted...

In recent days, social networks have been spreading a lot of information related to businesses refusing to accept bank transfer payments and only accepting cash to "avoid taxes".

According to the tax authority, according to the provisions of tax law, revenue subject to value added tax for business households and business individuals includes all sales and service provision revenue that business households and business individuals receive, regardless of whether the money has been collected or not.

In some cases, sellers request to collect additional money from buyers if payment is made by bank transfer, which not only affects the buyer's rights but also shows signs of violating the law.

The act of hanging a sign saying “cash only” or writing ambiguous transfer details such as “loan repayment”, “coffee fee”, “shipping fee”… to make it difficult for authorities to determine revenue does not reduce tax obligations, but on the contrary, can become a sign of suspicion for the act of concealing revenue.

At the same time, this behavior also goes against the digitalization trend and the policy of developing cashless payments.

Tax authorities hope that business households and individuals will be alert, learn about legal regulations, not listen to and follow illegal acts, such as concealing revenue, lack of transparency in economic transactions; and declare correctly and fully revenue when selling goods and services.

The tax authority is always ready to support and encourage business households and individuals to convert and develop into enterprises to enjoy preferential policies on investment, business and tax according to Resolution No. 198/2025/QH15 dated May 17, 2025 on special mechanisms and policies for private economic development.

In cases of intentional concealment of revenue, dishonest and incomplete tax declaration, additional tax will be collected, tax will be assessed, penalties for false declaration, tax evasion will be imposed or criminal liability may be prosecuted.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/chi-nhan-tien-mat-nham-ne-thue-co-the-pham-toi-tron-thue-704526.html