Regional tax office V in Bac Ninh: A trusted partner for businesses

By accelerating the application of digital technology in tax declaration, payment, and refund processes, and by actively advising and guiding enterprises on new tax policies, the division has promptly resolved difficulties and built trust among businesses, helping them focus on production and growth.

Strong Commitment, Impressive Results

In 2024, the Bac Ninh Tax Department collected VND 24.5 trillion in state budget revenue—101% of the target and 110% compared to the same period last year. In the first five months of 2025 alone, estimated collections have reached VND 20.086 trillion, 51.9% of the annual estimate, up 23.5% year-on-year.

The Bac Ninh Tax Department has topped the DDCI (Department and District Competitiveness Index) rankings for four consecutive years, reflecting high satisfaction among businesses with the department’s support and services.

Speaking with Business Forum, Mr. Nguyễn Hữu Trường, Deputy Director of Regional Tax Office V, emphasized that the One-Stop Division in Bac Ninh has positioned itself as a reliable companion to the local business community.

As of the close of the 2024 corporate income tax finalization period, the division received 19,285 tax returns, achieving a 98.8% submission rate. To facilitate tax finalization for both corporate and personal income taxpayers, a dedicated support team was established, offering practical and flexible assistance.

Beyond regular training sessions and dialogue with enterprises, the division has ramped up communication efforts through online consulting, hotlines, email, and social media channels. These services save taxpayers both time and costs. Additionally, 24/7 e-tax filing and assistance points ensure round-the-clock support.

Bac Ninh is also among the first provinces to launch online tax dialogues, a model now being studied by other provinces. A dedicated response team addresses taxpayer inquiries and publishes answers on the department's website to enhance transparency.

Mr. Trường also highlighted the Government’s recent issuance of Decree No. 82/2025/NĐ-CP, which extends deadlines for VAT, corporate income tax, personal income tax, and land rent payments—marking the seventh time such a policy has been enacted to assist struggling businesses.

Driving Innovation Through Digital Transformation

Recognizing technology as a foundational element in the new era, the division has proactively implemented modern tax management tools such as e-invoicing, electronic tax filing, and centralized data management systems. These have drastically reduced the time and costs for businesses, while improving administrative efficiency.

Transparency and trust are seen as critical in the digital age. As Mr. Trường noted, "Digital transformation is inevitable, and transparency is key to building public trust."

Investing in human capital is also a top priority. The division focuses on upgrading employee skills, fostering a service-oriented mindset, and building a professional, transparent, and business-friendly tax administration. Officers today are expected to not only be tax experts but also tech-savvy, customer-focused, and receptive to feedback.

Administrative procedures and new policies are now publicly posted on digital platforms. Feedback from businesses and citizens is processed swiftly through online channels, scheduled dialogues, and satisfaction surveys, bringing tax authorities closer to the public.

The 479 hotline service for addressing taxpayer concerns has proven effective and transparent. Public campaigns on tax reforms and taxpayer support are being taken seriously and implemented rigorously.

Mr. Trường emphasized, “We continuously learn and adapt. Each officer understands that taxpayer satisfaction is the true measure of our service quality. The growth of businesses is also the growth of the tax sector. Therefore, our mission is to support, not burden.”

E-Invoicing and Smart Tax Tools on the Rise

Bac Ninh has also focused on validating personal and business identifiers and managing e-commerce tax obligations. As of Q1 2025, 69 businesses and households (31% of the assigned target) have implemented point-of-sale e-invoicing from a total of 264 registered taxpayers.

Under Decree No. 70/2025/NĐ-CP (effective from June 1, 2025), businesses failing to implement e-invoicing through cash registers connected to the tax authority will be penalized. In line with Directive No. 129/CĐ-TTg, all 120 fuel retailers in Bac Ninh are now issuing e-invoices for every transaction—achieving a 100% compliance rate.

Ms. Nguyễn Thị Bích Thu, Deputy Director of Bac Ninh Petroleum Co., said: “We’ve clearly seen a positive change in how the tax authorities operate. Officers are now more approachable and supportive. This motivates businesses to grow with greater confidence.”

She also noted that e-invoicing enhances customer trust and convenience. She expressed hopes that the province will support her company in securing more land to expand its retail network.

Currently, 87–98% of taxpayers in Bac Ninh use e-tax services via the Etax Mobile system. As of March 31, 2025, 191,567 accounts had been successfully registered, with 96,489 successful transactions totaling VND 248.37 billion.

Thanks to technological integration, formerly complex tax procedures are now streamlined, transparent, and manageable—marking a fundamental shift from “management” to partnership and support.

Under the new administrative structure, the One-Stop Division manages 4,924 active enterprises through two business support offices, including 2,241 foreign-invested firms, 123 state-owned, and 2,560 private domestic businesses.

The inter-district tax teams manage an additional 15,036 enterprises across various districts and cities including Bac Ninh City, Tu Son–Yen Phong, Tien Du–Que Vo, Thuan Thanh, and Gia Binh–Luong Tai.

Looking ahead, the division plans to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technology to detect tax fraud, optimize revenue, and enhance local fiscal policies.

Mr. Nguyễn Hữu Trường concluded: “We’re not just tax collectors—we’re a bridge between the government and the business sector. Our goal is to foster a fair, transparent, and sustainable business environment in the digital age.”

With its proactive, innovative, and responsive approach, the One-Stop Division of Bac Ninh’s Regional Tax Office V is on the right track—playing a pioneering role in tax modernization and digital transformation. Supporting businesses is no longer a slogan—it is embedded in every task, every interaction, and every reform, contributing meaningfully to the region’s economic and social development.