Business households must actively utilize electronic invoices

In just a few days, Decree No. 70/2025/ND-CP, issued by the Government, will come into effect, amending and supplementing several articles of Decree No. 123/2020/ND-CP dated October 19, 2020, which regulates invoices and documents (hereinafter referred to as Decree 70/2025/ND-CP). Effective from June 1, 2025, this decree mandates that business households and individuals with an annual revenue of 1 billion VND or more utilize electronic invoices generated from cash registers connected to tax authorities. As the effective date approaches, many business households are experiencing considerable confusion regarding its implementation. 

Remaining concerns 

The implementation of electronic invoices generated from cash registers has been adopted by the tax sector since 2022, yielding numerous positive outcomes. On March 20, 2025, the Government issued Decree 70/2025/ND-CP, expanding the categories of entities required to utilize electronic invoices generated from cash registers. Specifically, this Decree includes business households that pay taxes under the lump sum method with an annual revenue exceeding 1 billion VND; business households employing cash registers; and business households whose revenue and labor scale meet the highest criteria for micro-enterprises as defined by the law on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, which mandates adherence to the accounting regime and tax payments through the compulsory declaration method using electronic invoices generated from cash registers.

Consequently, businesses generating annual revenue of VND1 billion in sectors such as restaurants, hotels, catering, and supermarkets will be required to issue electronic invoices produced by cash registers, rather than paying lump-sum taxes as previously practiced. Ms. Nguyen Thi Chau, proprietor of a grocery store in Chanh My ward, Thu Dau Mot city, stated that she became aware of the new regulations through newspapers and radio broadcasts. Following notification from tax officials, she began to further investigate this new mandate. While she intends to adhere to the regulations, she harbors several concerns, including uncertainty about where to begin, what additional equipment and software she must acquire, and the associated investment costs. "Operating a small grocery store like mine, I only have a modest surplus each month. Now, I need to invest millions in software and invoices, which requires careful consideration and calculation. Nevertheless, I will strive to comply with the regulations," Ms. Chau expressed.

Ms. Le Mai Khanh, proprietor of a pho restaurant located on Highway 13 in Hiep Thanh Ward, Thu Dau Mot City, stated that her establishment has already adopted the issuance of sales invoices via computer systems, making the transition to electronic invoices from cash registers relatively straightforward. Nevertheless, she expresses concern regarding the criteria for determining the revenue subject to the application of electronic invoices from cash registers. "During the initial phases of implementation, it is unavoidable that various issues will emerge, so we hope that the tax authorities will support and guide us throughout this process," Ms. Khanh remarked.

Numerous businesses have also voiced concerns regarding the implementation of electronic invoices from cash registers, as this will entail additional investment costs and potential technical issues that could disrupt business processes, tax declarations, and other related matters.

Tax sector to provide guidance and assistance

Tax experts assert that expanding the range of entities required to utilize electronic invoices generated from cash registers, in accordance with the Government's new regulations, enhances transparency in business operations and mitigates tax evasion, particularly among traditional business households that infrequently issue invoices. Furthermore, this initiative enables business households to generate invoices swiftly and accurately, eliminating the need for manual storage; it also improves tax management efficiency and reduces the risks associated with unnecessary inspections and audits, given that data is digitized and directly interconnected. Nevertheless, many business households remain unfamiliar with technology and lack proficiency in operating cash registers and software; the initial investment required for equipment and software may pose a significant barrier for small households or seasonal enterprises.

Tax officials advise that businesses with revenues approaching 1 billion VND should consult with the tax authority or a professional consulting firm to ensure adequate preparation. Concurrently, businesses and business households must proactively develop their infrastructure and personnel, particularly by investing in electronic cash registers or other supportive equipment. Additionally, training in the use of machinery, invoice software, and the procedures for creating and sending invoices in accordance with established standards is essential.

“Currently, numerous units are available in the market offering affordable, comprehensive cash register solutions, including electronic invoicing and support programs. Consequently, businesses should evaluate prices and reputations, selecting units acknowledged by the tax industry to ensure a stable data connection. They may also consider entering into periodic consulting agreements with accounting and tax firms to receive assistance in timely and legally compliant declaration, settlement, and report preparation,” stated a representative from the Propaganda and Support Department of the Tax Department of Region 16.

According to the head of the Tax Department of Region 16, in addition to existing regulations, business households and individuals with an annual revenue of VND 1 billion or more are required to utilize electronic invoices generated from cash registers starting June 1, 2025. As stipulated in Resolution No. 198 of the National Assembly, which recently passed special mechanisms and policies for private economic development, the lump-sum tax for business households will be eliminated effective January 1, 2026. To assist business households, the Tax Department of Region 16 and its tax teams have initiated numerous support activities aimed at alleviating challenges faced by these entities, collaborating with providers of consulting and support solutions. Furthermore, the one-stop department of the tax authority remains readily available to assist taxpayers.

Challenges encountered during the initial implementation of electronic invoices generated from cash registers will be addressed by tax authorities and relevant entities to foster a conducive business environment and stimulate socio-economic development in the forthcoming period.

Reported by Thanh Hong - T. Quan - Translated by Vi Bao