A vendor broadcasts a livestream at the Tua Chua night market in Dien Bien province. The General Directorate of Taxation has asked local tax authorities to check retailers selling via livestream and create lists to conduct risk-based inspections. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi – The General Administration of Taxation has asked local tax authorities to check retailers who sell via livestreaming on platforms such as YouTube, Facebook and Tiktok and create lists of them to conduct risk-based inspections.

They also called for improved tax management for individuals and organizations with high revenues from livestream sales, as tighter control of e-commerce is needed to avoid tax losses.

Data from market research firm NielsenIQ showed that 95% of online shoppers make their purchases through live streaming sessions.

According to the Vietnam E-Commerce Association, there are an average of 2.5 million live streaming sessions every month with the participation of more than 50,000 sellers.

The agency worked with nearly 43,000 companies and individuals on tax returns and payments in the first six months of this year, collecting nearly VND9.98 trillion in taxes, up VND3.48 trillion from the same period last year. More than 4,560 violations were punished and fines totaling nearly VND300 billion were imposed.

According to current regulations, online retailers must pay VAT and income tax if their annual turnover is VND 100 million or more.

Authorities step up tax audits of live streams Individuals and organizations involved in livestream sales and affiliate marketing on e-commerce platforms face the strictest scrutiny ever when it comes to tax filing and payment.

Retailers promote environmentally friendly habits Vietnamese retail is leading the way in promoting environmentally friendly shopping habits, with major companies introducing initiatives to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable consumption.

The rise of live streaming is disrupting commerce Livestreaming is no longer just a hype in Vietnam, and brands are being asked to keep up with the rapid changes.

Retailers are under pressure to adapt their tactics New trends in retail and changing customer shopping preferences have a direct impact on the business strategies of many retailers.

Livestreaming sales are making their way into professional modernization Selling live streams is among 15 new professions being added to vocational training programs in Vietnam.