The Ministry of Finance has asked the General Department of Taxation to increase inspections and examinations to prevent tax avoidance, particularly in high-risk areas such as e-commerce and trading activities using digital platforms, as well as value-added tax refunds.

This is part of measures to implement directions from the government and the National Steering Committee against Smuggling, Counterfeit Goods and Trade Fraud.

In the first four months of this year, tax inspectors conducted 9,753 inspections, equivalent to 12.2 per cent of the annual target. Inspectors proposed fines totaling over VND15 billion ($632,000).

The department was also instructed to coordinate with relevant ministries and agencies to identify product origin to prevent tax avoidance on import and export products and unsubstantiated claims for tax refunds.