On the 19th of May 2022, the Ministerial Information Bulletin No. 10820 published the Ministerial Regulations No. 382, B.E. 2565 (2022) issued by the Minister of Finance in response to the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Regulations concern a series of tax and duty exemptions applicable to subsidies and benefits received under economic initiatives during the 2021 fiscal year. These benefits will be considered assessable income-exempt from inclusion for income tax payment.
Sixteen types of subsidies and benefits received under various government initiatives are enumerated in the Regulations. These benefits pertain to the tourism sector, local economic development, those employment sectors particularly impacted by the pandemic, and educational expenses.
Categories of Income Exempt from Taxation
1. Subsidies or any other benefit received under the Rao Thiew Duay Kan Project. Benefits include accommodation, food, tourism attraction entry fee, One Tambon One Products, spa or health massage, car or pleasure boat rental, or airfare.
2. Any benefits received under the Kam Lang Jai Project for buying a package tour from a tour operator.
3. Any benefits received under the Tour Thiew Thai Project for travel expenses and buying a package tour from a tour operator.
4. Any benefits received under the Project Increasing Buying Power for State Welfare Card Holders, Stage 2 or 3, for buying goods from Low-Cost Blue Flag Shops.
5. Any benefits received under the Project Increasing Buying Power for State Welfare Card Holders, Stage 3, for buying goods or services from shops or other service providers participating in the Khon La Krueng Project, Stage 3.
6. Any benefits received under the Project Increasing Buying Power for Persons Requiring Special Assistance for buying goods from Low-Cost Blue Flag Shops.
7. Any benefits received under the Project Increasing Buying Power for Persons Requiring Special Assistance for buying goods or services from shops or other service providers participating in the Khon La Krueng Project, Stage 3.
8. Any benefits received under the Khon La Krueng Project, Stage 2 or 3, for buying food, beverages, goods, or services via the Sate electronic payment system.
9. Any benefits received under the Ying Chai Ying Dai Project in the form of electronic vouchers for food, beverages, goods, or services spent via the State electronic payment system.
10. Subsidies received under the Rao Chana Project as a living allowance.
11. Subsidies received under the Mor 33 Rao Rak Kan Project.
12. Subsidies received under the Project Providing Assistance to Employers and Insured Persons, Section 33, by individuals within red-zone provinces, areas under the maximum degree of COVID-19 control measures.
13. Subsidies received under the Project Providing Assistance to Insured Persons, Sections 39 and 40, by individuals within red-zone provinces, areas under the maximum degree of COVID-19 control measures.
14. Subsidies received under the Project Providing Assistance to Insured Persons and Freelancers Working in Entertainment affected by State measures.
15. Subsidies received under the Project Promoting and Maintaining Employment in SMEs may be exempted. However, the income earner must not deduct expenses paid from the income received under the Project for the calculation of income tax.
16. Subsidies received under the Project Providing Assistance to Taxi Drivers and Public Motorcycle Taxi Drivers over Age 65 by individuals affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic.
17. Subsidies received under the Project Providing Assistance and Alleviating the Burden of Educational Expenses during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
18. Subsidies received under the Project on Measures Reducing Educational Expenses for State and Private University Students.