Revitalizing Indonesia’s Tax Landscape: Embracing the New VAT Paradigm

Adjustment of Value Added Tax (VAT) Policy in the Law on Harmonization of Tax Regulations.

In order to increase Indonesia’s sustainable economic growth and support the acceleration of economic recovery, and optimizing state revenues to finance national development independently towards fair Indonesian society, affluent and prosperous, it takes various efforts from the Government to make adjustments to fiscal policy. The ratification of the Law on the Harmonization of Tax Regulations (HPP Law) Number 7 of 2021 some time ago became one of the Government’s steps to support fiscal policy in order to achieve an increase in the tax ratio.

HPP Law changes the provisions of various tax laws, including the tax policy on Value Added Tax (VAT) which includes changes to the value-added tax rate, reduction of the exemption of value-added tax objects, and the imposition of final value-added tax.

VAT

Changes in VAT Rates

The Government changes the value-added tax rate in stages, for 11% (eleven percent) which is effective on April 1, 2022 and 12% (twelve percent) which takes effect no later than January 1, 2025.

The following table is the comparison of value-added tax rate as per the previous regulation with the rate as per HPP Law:

Previous Rates

HPP law

10%

a. 11% effective on the 1st April 2022;

b. 12% will take effect no later than 1st January 2025.

Reduction of VAT object exemptions

In addition to the increase in value-added tax rates, there is also the elimination of value-added tax exemptions for several commodities. The following table compares the previous regulation with the HPP Law regarding changes to some commodities that are exempted from value-added tax:

Commodities

Previous Regulations

HPP Law

Mining products or drilling results taken directly from the source

Exempted from VAT

Removed

Basic necessities that are needed by many people

Exempted from VAT

Limited exemption

Food and drinks served in hotels, restaurants, food stalls, and the like, including food and drinks, whether consumed on the premises or not, including food and beverages delivered by catering businesses

Exempted from VAT

Exempted from VAT

Money, gold bars and certificates

Exempted from VAT

Exempted from VAT

Medical health services

Exempted from VAT

Limited free

Social services

Exempted from VAT

Limited free

Mail delivery service with postage

Exempted from VAT

Removed

Financial services

Exempted from VAT

Limited exemption

Insurance services

Exempted from VAT

Limited exemption

Religious services

Exempted from VAT

Exempted from VAT

Education services

Exempted from VAT

Limited exemption

Arts and entertainment services

Exempted from VAT

Exempted from VAT

Broadcasting services that are not advertising

Exempted from VAT

Removed

Public transportation services on land and water, as well as domestic air

Exempted from VAT

Limited exemption

Labour services

Exempted from VAT

Limited exemption

Hospitality services

Exempted from VAT

Exempted from VAT

Services provided by the Government in the context of running the Government in general

Exempted from VAT

Exempted from VAT

Parking services

Exempted from VAT

Exempted from VAT

Public telephone service using coins

Exempted from VAT

Removed

Money transfer service by postal money order

Exempted from VAT

Removed

Catering services

Exempted from VAT

Exempted from VAT

Final VAT Imposition

The HPP Law also regulates the imposition of Final value-added tax to provide convenience and simplification of tax administration in terms of collecting and depositing value-added tax made by Taxable Entrepreneurs (PKP). This Final value-added tax scheme is imposed on the following Taxable Entrepreneurs (PKP):

a) has business circulation in 1 (one) financial year does not exceed a certain amount;

b) conducts out certain business activities; and/or

c) performs the delivery of certain taxable goods and/or certain taxable services.

Taxable Entrepreneurs (PKP) with these three criteria can collect and deposit value-added tax payable on the submission of BKP/JKP with a certain amount. The provisions regarding the qualifications of certain taxable goods and/or certain taxable services that are subject to Final value-added tax will be further regulated by the Government.

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If you require assistance navigating the intricacies of VAT regulations or seeking expert guidance on tax matters in Indonesia, look no further than SW Indonesia. Our team of knowledgeable professionals specializes in providing comprehensive solutions tailored to meet your specific VAT needs. Whether you have questions, need consultation, or require support in managing VAT-related challenges, we are here to help. Contact us today at +62 2993 2132 or email us at [email protected] and let us be your trusted partner in optimizing your VAT strategy and ensuring compliance in Indonesia’s dynamic tax landscape.

Author

  • SW Indonesia

    As the webmaster and author for SW Indonesia, I am dedicated to providing informative and insightful content related to accounting, taxation, and business practices in Indonesia. With a strong background in web management and a deep understanding of the accounting industry, my aim is to deliver valuable knowledge and resources to our audience. From articles on VAT regulations to tips for e-commerce taxation, I strive to help businesses navigate the complexities of the Indonesian tax system. Trust SW Indonesia as your go-to source for reliable and up-to-date information, empowering you to make informed decisions and drive success in your business ventures.