Selling gold bars will incur a tax. personal income tax is one of the most significant changes of Personal Income Tax Law 2025 This regulation, recently passed by the National Assembly, marks a major turning point in the management of the precious metals market, shifting from a free market to a framework of strict tax controls similar to other investment assets.
According to experts at MAN – Master Accountant Network, applying a tax rate of 0.1% on the value of each transaction not only aims to increase government revenue but also serves as an effective regulatory tool to curb speculation and manipulation of gold prices. In the context of an economy moving towards transparency, understanding the tax roadmap and calculation methods is crucial for both individual investors and gold trading organizations.
Implementation timeline: When will the sale of gold bars be subject to personal income tax?
Based on the provisions of Article 29 of the Personal Income Tax Law 2025, the entire law officially comes into effect from this date. 1/7/2026. This means that transactions occurring before this time will still be conducted according to current regulations (not subject to personal income tax when selling gold bars at retail).
However, under Clause 10, Article 3 of the new Law, income from the transfer of gold bars has been officially listed as "Taxable Income". The government is also empowered to specify the tax threshold for gold bars to ensure that it does not put pressure on individuals who hoard small amounts for welfare purposes.
Tax rate of 0.1%: Calculation method and specific illustrative examples.
Many people wonder whether this tax is calculated on profit or on the total selling price. According to Clause 2, Article 19 and Article 27 of the Personal Income Tax Law 2025, the sale of gold bars is subject to personal income tax based on the following formula:
|
Personal income tax payable = Transfer price of gold bars x Tax rate 0.1% |
Key features of this calculation method:
- Regardless of profit/loss: Even if you sell gold at a price lower than the purchase price (resulting in a loss), you still have to pay 0.1% on the total amount received.
- Calculated per transaction: Each sales transaction generates a separate tax liability.
- Scope of application: This tax applies only to "gold bars". Gold jewelry and gold rings are not subject to this tax.
| Gold sales transaction value (VND) | Tax rate | Amount of personal income tax payable (VND) |
| 100,000,000 (1 tael) | 0,1% | 100.000 |
| 500,000,000 (05 taels) | 0,1% | 500.000 |
| 1,000,000,000 (10 taels) | 0,1% | 1.000.000 |
Time of determining taxable income for gold bars
Determining the correct tax assessment time helps taxpayers and tax authorities avoid legal disputes. The Personal Income Tax Law 2025 stipulates:
- For resident individuals: The time of determining taxable income is the time when the organization or individual pays income to the taxpayer, or the time when the taxpayer actually receives the money from the sale of gold.
- For non-resident individuals: Similarly, the tax calculation time is when the money is received or when the organization in Vietnam pays the individual for the gold purchase.
Typically, at authorized gold shops or banks that trade in gold bars, the tax deduction is done on the spot. The purchasing organization is responsible for deducting 0.1% before paying the seller and remitting it to the state budget.
Why is it necessary to require personal income tax to be paid on the sale of gold bars?
The application of the 0.1% tax is considered a "management fee" to enable the State to obtain accurate data on the flow of money in the gold market. From the perspective of MAN – Master Accountant Network's auditing and tax consulting services, this regulation brings the following values:
- Transparency in transactions: Restrict informal transactions and promote the issuance of electronic invoices in the gold trading business.
- Anti-speculation: Although the tax rate is small (0.1%), it will directly impact groups of people who "speculate" on gold with large volumes and high frequency.
- Macroeconomic stability: Reduce the appeal of hoarding gold bars and direct social capital towards more efficient production and business investment channels.
Conclude
The imposition of a personal income tax of 0.11% on the sale of gold bars, effective from July 1, 2026, is an irreversible policy in Vietnam's roadmap for improving its tax system. Although the tax rate is not excessively high, the declaration and deduction process will require thorough preparation from gold trading businesses and a good understanding from the public.
To ensure compliance with the law and optimize personal or business financial plans during this transition period, clients should seek support from professional services. MAN – Master Accountant Network is proud to be a leading provider of such services. auditing services, tax accounting, tax consulting services and tax settlement In-depth expertise. We are committed to helping businesses and individuals prepare accurate and timely tax reports, minimizing legal risks arising from the new regulations of the Personal Income Tax Law 2025.
Service contact information at MAN – Master Accountant Network
- Address: No. 19A, Street 43, Tan Thuan Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
- Mobile/Zalo: 0903 963 163 – 0903 428 622
- Email: man@man.net.vn
Content production by: Mr. Le Hoang Tuyen – Founder & CEO MAN – Master Accountant Network, Vietnamese CPA Auditor with over 30 years of experience in Accounting, Auditing and Financial Consulting.
Frequently Asked Questions about whether selling gold bars is subject to personal income tax.
No. The law only stipulates that the sale of gold bars is subject to personal income tax. Gold rings and gold jewelry are currently not subject to this tax.
According to Clause 9, Article 3, income from inheritance is subject to tax only if the property is registered for ownership/use. Gold bars are currently not subject to registration like real estate, so inheriting gold bars may not be subject to personal income tax under this category. However, when you sell that gold, you will be subject to a tax of 0.11% on the selling price.
The law mandates the government to set specific threshold values. Experts predict there may be a tax-free limit for small transactions (e.g., under 20 million or 50 million VND) to support small-scale savings by individuals. If I sell plain gold rings, do I have to pay the 0.1% tax?
If I inherit gold bars, will I have to pay tax?
At what value does taxation begin?
