A personal income tax self-assessment file is a collection of important documents and certificates that taxpayers need to prepare to fulfill their obligations to the State. According to regulations... Tax Administration Law No. 38/2019/QH14 and Circular 80/2021/TT-BTC, Having complete documentation helps individuals avoid the risk of administrative penalties. This is also a prerequisite for the tax authorities to consider refunding any overpaid taxes during the year.
In the context of the tax industry's accelerated digital transformation, mastering the components of personal identification documents is crucial. personal income tax settlement This article helps you be proactive when working with the eTax system. It will provide a detailed analysis of the required documents, the 02/QTT-TNCN declaration form, and expert advice from an auditing perspective. The goal is to help you optimize your legal benefits and complete the process as quickly as possible.
What documents are included in a personal income tax self-assessment file?

Based on Official Document 883/TCT-DNNCN According to Circular 80/2021/TT-BTC, the personal tax return for income from salaries and wages includes the following components:
Declaration form and appendix as prescribed.
The core components of a personal self-assessment record. personal income tax This is Form 02/QTT-TNCN. This document summarizes all taxable income, deductions, and the amount of tax already paid provisionally. It is accompanied by an Appendix listing family allowance deductions. Form No. 02-1/BK-QTT-TNCN If you register dependents, you can reduce the actual amount of tax you have to pay.
Tax deduction certificates and income documents
You must provide a copy of the personal income tax withholding certificate issued by the income-paying organization. If the business uses electronic certificates, you need to print a converted copy to attach to your personal income tax self-assessment file. In cases where the income-paying organization has been dissolved, the tax authority will assist in reconciliation based on the industry database without requiring the original certificate.
Special deduction certificates
If you have made contributions to charitable, humanitarian, or educational funds, include these receipts in your personal income tax self-assessment file. These amounts are deducted directly from your income before tax calculation, helping to reduce the amount of tax payable. Additionally, the file should include copies of tax payment receipts from overseas if you have foreign income for which you have fulfilled your tax obligations.
Summary table of personal documents for self-assessment of personal income tax
Below is a detailed list of documents to help you review your personal income tax return before submitting it:
| STT | Document type | Sample document/Notes | Status |
| 1 | Tax return form | Form 02/QTT-TNCN (Circular 80/2021/TT-BTC) | Obligatory |
| 2 | Appendix for personal deductions | Form 02-1/BK-QTT-TNCN | If there is a NPT |
| 3 | Tax deduction certificate | Paper copy or electronic printout | Obligatory |
| 4 | Charitable donation certificate | Legitimate invoices and receipts | If any |
| 5 | Income verification letter | Regarding income from foreign sources | If any |
| 6 | NPT registration documents | If you haven't registered this year | If any |
Note: All copies in the personal income tax self-assessment file should be compared with the originals to ensure legal validity.
Which individuals are required to prepare personal documents for self-assessment of personal income tax?

According to Decree 126/2020/ND-CP, you are required to complete your personal tax self-assessment file if you fall under the following cases:
- There is additional tax payable: When the actual tax amount is higher than the amount already paid in advance (except in cases where the additional payment is less than 50,000 VND).
- I have overpaid taxes and would like a refund: This is a common way to receive a refund from the state budget by submitting personal income tax self-assessment documents.
- Income from multiple sources: If you have income from two or more sources and do not qualify to authorize the paying agency.
- Foreign nationals whose contracts have ended: Tax settlements must be completed in Vietnam before departure.
Details of Personal Income Tax Final Settlement Declaration Form 02/QTT-TNCN
Form 02/QTT-TNCN is the most important part of the personal income tax self-assessment file. Below are the key indicators you need to pay special attention to:
Indicators [22] to [25]: Taxable income
You need to compile all salaries and wages received during the calendar year. Note that you should separate out tax-exempt income such as overtime pay or special allowances. This will help ensure accurate personal income tax self-assessment and minimize the amount of tax payable.
Items [27] to [32]: Deductions
This section helps optimize the amount of tax payable. It includes personal deductions (11 million VND/month), dependent deductions (4.4 million VND/person/month), mandatory insurance, and charitable contributions. Ensure these figures completely match the documentation in your personal income tax self-assessment file.
Indicators [44], [45], [46]: Summary of results
The system will automatically calculate the amount of overpaid tax (Item 44) or the amount of tax still payable (Item 45). To receive the refund, you must accurately fill in your bank account information on the tax return form in your personal income tax self-assessment file.
Common mistakes when preparing personal income tax return documents for self-assessment

Based on auditing experience, here are some common mistakes when preparing personal income tax return forms:
- Missing original documents: Losing the tax deduction certificate or the previous company being slow to issue it caused the tax authorities to reject the application.
- Incorrect identification information: Using the wrong tax identification number or citizen identification number prevents the system from matching the data.
- Dependent error: Registering as a dependent with another person or lacking documentation proving the legal relationship in the personal income tax self-assessment file.
- Incorrect application submission location: Submitting the application to the wrong tax office can lead to prolonged processing times for tax refunds.
Conclude
Your personal income tax self-assessment file determines whether you are fulfilling your obligations and protecting your personal financial rights. Preparation requires meticulous attention to detail and a thorough understanding of current regulations and decrees. Small errors in filling out form 02/QTT-TNCN can lead to your file being rejected or incurring unnecessary late payment penalties.
To save you time, MAN – Master Accountant Network offers comprehensive solutions in auditing, tax accounting, and tax consulting services. We have a team of experienced professionals in tax settlement and tax reporting. MAN is ready to assist in reviewing documents and preparing the most accurate personal income tax self-settlement files. Contact MAN today for advice and to optimize your tax plan.
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 Personal Income Tax Self-Compliance Filing
The deadline is the last day of the fourth month after the end of the calendar year (usually April 30th). There is no time limit for tax refund applications, but they should be submitted early.
Applications can be submitted via thuedientu.gdt.gov.vn. However, some tax offices may require a hard copy to be sent by mail for verification against original documents in the individual's self-assessment personal income tax file.
Contact the paying organization to request a certified copy. If the business has been dissolved, submit an explanation along with your personal tax return for consideration. What is the deadline for submitting personal income tax return forms?
Can I file my personal income tax return online?
What should I do if I lose my tax deduction certificate?




